Egypt coach Hossam Hassan blamed a congested match schedule and travel fatigue for his side’s 1-0 loss to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals on Wednesday, saying the arrangements were unfair.
Egypt’s bid for a record-extending eighth continental title ended with defeat after Sadio Mane’s 78th-minute goal sealed Senegal’s passage to the final.
The Pharaohs appeared drained, particularly in the second half, as the Lions of Teranga dominated proceedings.
Hassan said his players paid the price for what he described as a lack of fairness in the tournament schedule.
Senegal had an extra day’s rest after playing their quarter-final against Mali on Friday, while Egypt faced Ivory Coast a day later.
Egypt were also required to travel from Agadir to Tangier, a journey of around 790 kilometres, for the semi-final, while Senegal were already based in Tangier.
“The short time between the quarter-final and the semi-final, and the long trip, affected our preparation for the Senegal game,” Hassan told a post-match news conference.
“There was no justice in the match scheduling.”
Hassan also criticised the refereeing, saying there were several mistakes and calling for greater oversight at major tournaments.
“There were many errors from the referee. FIFA should intervene to ensure justice at big events like the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.
The 60-year-old coach praised his players’ efforts and said Egypt would remain one of Africa’s leading teams, having won the tournament a record seven times.
Egypt will face the loser of the other semi-final between Morocco and Nigeria in Saturday’s third-place playoff.
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