Egypt manager Hector Cuper said that he tried to refresh his side through the changes he made but what he expected did not eventually happen following the opening Africa Cup of Nations goalless draw with Mali in Group D.
Returning to the Nations Cup after a seven-year absence, the Pharaohs failed to get off to a winning start after a trademark defensive game from the Argentinean boss has seen his side fail to pose any threats on the counter.
"Exhaustion was quite clear on my players; I tried to make changes to refresh the team but what I expected did not happen," Cuper said in the post-match press conference.
"The conditions are not really easy, not just because of the result but due to numerous things. In the end, it's not what I hoped for but I accept the result."
On the other side, Mali coach Alain Giresse looked content with the draw while emphasizing the caliber of seven-time African champions Egypt.
"My players implemented what I demanded from them. We were under pressure playing against a big side like Egypt," French boss Giresse said.
After Ghana beat outsiders Uganda 1-0 earlier on the day, Egypt are currently second in their group on a single point, two adrift of the Black Stars.
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