Egypt's largely toothless display in a labored 1-0 win over Zimbabwe does not worry coach Javier Aguirre, who believes his team will improve in their bid to win a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Pharaohs needed a first-half goal from Mahmoud Trezeguet to unlock Zimbabwe's tight defence in the tournament's opener, failing to build on their lead after a below-par display in the second period.
"I'm not 100% percent satisfied with the performance, especially in the second half after our form dropped," Mexican boss Aguirre told the post-match news conference.
"We were exhausted but I'm not worried, it's only the first match."
Egypt created few openings against a disciplined Zimbabwe side, with Mohamed Salah wasting their only chance after the break. Early in the match, Zimbabwe keeper Edmore Sibanda pulled off some fine saves to thwart the Pharaohs at their Cairo Stadium fortress.
"The only negative thing I saw was the gaps in our midfield. Zimbabwe's pace moves caused us some problems," Aguirre added.
"We still wasted some goal-scoring chances but we will work on correcting our mistakes."
Egypt next face DR Congo on Wednesday before meeting Uganda in their last Group A match on 30 June. Uganda and DR Congo meet on Saturday.
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