Egypt national team manager, Carlos Queiroz, spoke highly of his players ahead of their game against Algeria in the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup.
Egypt and Algeria have secured their spots in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup after winning their two opening group stage games.
Both teams are on equal points and have the same goal difference, as they each scored six goals without conceding any.
The winner of the game this Tuesday will, therefore, top Group D and face the runner-up of Group C in the quarter-finals.
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Queiroz praised his players ahead of the game and expects a close and fun encounter against the Africa Cup of Nations champions.
“We will play the Algeria match as a unit, something that distinguishes us, and we will work hard to win. Every match for us is a final, and we hope that the match conditions will allow us to play a strong match,” Queiroz said in the pre-match press conference.
“We have good players, we will work hard to show our superiority. Our goal is to win every match, to reach the highest possible stage in the tournament, all while showing respect to the other teams.
“We are not under pressure because we’re professionals and this is part of our work and we look to always improve. We always aim for the best outcome and everyone is in competition with themselves and the rest, and this is a good thing for us.
“We are excited for tomorrow’s match. It will be fun for football fans and we are looking forward to it.
“There is no magic formula for success in football. It’s all about continuous work, fighting spirit and competitiveness, which brings the results.
“Success is up to the players, they work together and it feels as if they have been playing with each other for many years. Even the old players support the new ones, and this is what we want to always see,” he added.
Queiroz also revealed that the Pharaohs will be without one of their main players in Al Ahly attacking midfielder Mohamed Magdy Afsha, who’s currently suffering from a minor muscle injury.
“Afsha is not 100% fit for the Algeria match and we will not risk playing him. We have many players ready to do what is required of them in the match,” the Portuguese continued.
“The two teams will enter tomorrow’s match in order to top the group. We play for our reputation and we also have to show our skill,” he concluded.
