Egypte s Portuguese head coach Rui Vitoria gestures during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group B football match between Cape Verde and Egypt at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 22, 2024. AFP
Egypt secured their spot in the second round after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Cape Verde, concluding their Group stage campaign.
They finished as runners-up in Group B with three points from three draws, trailing group leaders Cape Verde by four points.
"We deserved our place in the round of 16," Vitoria told reporters after the game.”
"We put in a lot of work to achieve our mission, and we succeeded."
The Portuguese coach explained the shaky performance of his team's defense, which conceded six goals in three games, attributing it to the team's offensive strategy.
"We have defensive problems, but we also have to mention that we scored six goals. However, we need to improve our performance in all aspects in the coming games."
Vitoria played down any negative effects on his players as they prepare to move from Abidjan to Saint Pedro for the round of 16. Egypt is set to face the runners-up of Group F, which includes teams such as Morocco, DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia.
"Changing the venue could have a positive impact on my players after spending a couple of weeks in Abidjan," he concluded.
Check the AFCON matches and standings
Check the AFCON stats
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: