Egypt draw inspiration from pressure, says Queiroz

Ahram Online , Thursday 27 Jan 2022

Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz said his side excel under pressure as they reached the African Cup of Nations quarter-final with a 5-4 shootout win over Cote d'Ivoire following a 0-0 draw in their last 16 clash on Wednesday.

Carlos Queiroz
Egypt s head coach Carlos Queiroz gestures, during the African Cup of Nations 2022 round of 16 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Egypt at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022 (AP)

The Portuguese came under fire for some uninspiring performances in the group stage, which saw Egypt lose 1-0 to Nigeria after being outplayed before laboring to 1-0 wins over minnows Guinea-Bissau and Sudan.

But the Pharaohs looked much improved against Cote d'Ivoire, defending doggedly and wasting several clear-cut chances as they were unlucky not to settle the tie in their favour in 120 minutes.

"We deserved to win during the normal time, but the biggest winner tonight is football," Queiroz told reporters after the game.

"Pressure gives us an inspiration and motivates us to play strongly and please our people.

"I congratulate all the players, they fully deserve to reach the next stage," he added.

Egypt next face Morocco in the quarter-final on Sunday as they seek to continue their bid towards a record-extending eighth Nations Cup crown.

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