Egypt coach Hector Cuper was pleased with his players after the 1-0 win over Uganda at Port Gentil on Saturday although he wished to have a bigger score line.
Abdullah El Said scored late in the game to give the Pharaohs a hard fought win against the Uganda Cranes who were brilliant on the night.
“I wished to have a bigger score line and better performance but I thank my players who did all their best in tough circumstances,” Cuper said in a post-match press conference. “I respect Uganda and commend them for their performance today,” he added.
The Argentine admitted the game being difficult against a tough opponent but also said all the games at the tournament are difficult insisting the his side are not yet in the last eight despite having a three point gap between the 3rd placed team with one round of match to play.
We had a difficult game against a very tough opponent. Our qualification is not guaranteed yet, so we have to fight till the end. At the Africa Cup of Nations every match is difficult.
The Pharaohs face fellow giants Ghana in their last group game in a game they need a point to guarantee a slot in the last eight of the competition.
But the former Valencia and Inter Milan coach targets more than a stalemate against Avram Grant’s side who are already through.
Our target for every game is to win, so it’s accepted to make some risk but not in an irrational way.
Despite winning seven African titles, Egypt have not been at the previous three AFCON tournaments.
