Egypt, coached by Carlos Queiroz and already qualified for the play-off (the African zone’s next qualifying phase for the 2022 World Cup), hosted and beat Gabon (2-1) in the last round of Group F.
At the press conference after the game, the Portuguese coach praised the path that has been taken since he took over, not only in terms of results but above all in preparing for the future.
“If there was a winner, it could only be Egypt, we had more quality and more chances, but we won more than one game, we won the opportunity to put some new players on the field and we learned a lot of positive lessons. We played four matches, with three wins and one draw, and the players are to be congratulated. Now is the time to start thinking about preparing for the future. We have a lot of details to think about, both on and off the field. In football, there is never a perfect formula, there is always being better. We can’t just have 11 players, but 23, or 30, and give them confidence and time. In Egypt, a few weeks ago, no one could have imagined that some players could match the national team, but now they are there, ready to help. Together we will all be stronger in the future. This game was an opportunity to grow, to gain experience. When the youngsters make their debut in the national team’s shirt, in the dressing room it weighs 200 grams, but on the pitch, in front of 90 million Egyptians, it weighs a ton. That’s why we have to give them experience, support and confidence. And praise them. Some players for some time were not even known. In the future, we hope to have 40 to choose from 11», he stressed.
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