Egypt's Ahmed Eid and Angola's Fredy, right, compete for the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations group B soccer match between Angola and Egypt in Agadir, Morocco. AP
Egypt’s players have struck a confident tone ahead of the knockout phase of the Africa Cup of Nations, pledging to return from Morocco with the trophy after topping their group unbeaten.
Masry's right-back Ahmed Eid said the squad was united behind a single objective after securing qualification to the Round of 16 as Group B leaders. “We want to make all the Egyptian people happy, and we want to make them even happier when we return with the trophy,” he told Al Kass TV on Monday. “We will not return from Morocco without the championship cup.”
Egypt completed the group stage with two wins and a draw, beating Zimbabwe 2–1 and South Africa 1–0 before being held to a goalless draw by Angola on Monday. The result ensured maximum points haul performance without conceding a goal, underlining the team’s defensive solidity.
The 24-year old Eid said the players were fully focused as preparations shift to the knockout rounds, crediting the technical staff for maintaining intensity and motivation. He also highlighted the influence of captain Mohamed Salah, describing him as “the best player in the world for us” and a key source of leadership within a squad he said included “the best players in Egypt”.
Ahly's midfielder Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” echoed the confidence, saying Egypt had achieved its primary objective in the group stage. “Our goal was to qualify as group leaders, and we achieved that,” he told ON Sport, adding that squad rotation demonstrated the unity of the group under coach Hossam Hassan.
Zizo, 29, also praised the atmosphere in Morocco, thanking local supporters for backing the Pharaohs. “We feel like we are playing in Egypt,” he said, describing the tournament as highly competitive with every team targeting the title.
Masry's striker Salah Mohsen, who wore the captain’s armband against Angola as several regulars were being rested, described the moment as a career highlight. The 27-year old player also said Salah had spoken to him about the responsibility of captaining Egypt, calling it “a great honour” and vowing he had given everything on the pitch.
Al Jazira winger Ibrahim Adel stressed that focus had already shifted to the Round of 16, regardless of the opponent. “We don’t want a specific team,” the 24-year old said. “We will give everything we have because we are playing in the name of Egypt.” Masry's Centre-Back Khaled Sobhy struck a similar note, saying representing Egypt at the tournament was “something special” while admitting disappointment at not defeating Angola.
Egypt, seven-time champions, are seeking to reclaim the continental title as they enter the decisive phase of the Africa Cup of Nations, buoyed by strong performances and growing belief within the camp.
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