Rayo Vallecano and Cape Verde winger Bebé believes his side played at an advantage when they met Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Both sides were drawn in Group B of the competition and played a thrilling 2-2 stalemate in a high-stakes game for Egypt.
The Pharaohs needed at least a draw in their final group game with Mozambique pulling off an upset against Ghana to qualify for the knockout stages.
To add to their woes, Egypt had to do without Mohamed Salah as Liverpool’s no.11 sustained a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for weeks.
READ: Mohamed Salah returns to Liverpool training sessions
READ: Ittihad Jeddah to offer €235 Million for Mohamed Salah
However, Egypt miraculously made it through to the round of 16 in the end as Mozambique struck twice in stoppage time to hold Ghana to a draw.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde settled for a fourth-place finish after losing a penalty shootout to Percy Tau’s South Africa.
Speaking after Cape Verde’s AFCON campaign, former Manchester United forward Bebe reflected on their game against Egypt and revealed that his side were fortunate that Salah was sidelined.
“We were really lucky that Mohamed Salah was injured when we played Egypt because he is such an influential player,” Bebe told Al-Oula TV channel.
“When you play against any opposition, you always want to have your star players fit and available. Any team wishes to have a player like him.”
