AMR08 - Egypt's head coach Hector Cuper instructs his players during their 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match agaist Chad at Borg El Arab "Army Stadium" in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. (Photo: Reuters)
Egypt manager Hector Cuper believes his side played well despite their little experience as a young team, following the 4-0 return-leg win over Chad in the World Cup qualifying second round.
The Pharaohs avenged their 1-0 first-leg defeat at Chad by winning 4-0 at home, thanks to first-half goals from Mohamed Elneny, Abdallah El-Saied, and Ahmed Hassan Kouka (double).
Argentinean boss Cuper made four changes to the starting lineup from the defeat at Chad, most notably introducing Mostafa Fathi, Abdallah El-Saied and Hossam Ghaly in midfield.
Fathi, 21, made his senior full debut, putting in a commendable display with his mesmerizing skills down the right flank, despite wasting a host of clear-cut chances.
"I'm satisfied with the team's performance, they played well despite their young age," Cuper said in the post-match press conference.
"Yes there are negatives, but we could overcome them. Overall, the team played well.
"Mostafa Fathi produced a good display, I don't want to say he was selfish. Don't also forget that he's a young player; don't put too much pressure on him.
"That's a young team. They are the future of the Egyptian football."
Egypt will be drawn into a four-team group, with the winners directly reaching the 2018 finals in Russia. The draw will be made in July next year and the group stage will start in October.
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