Egypt’s U-20 coach Diaa El-Sayed is eyeing the African Cup of Nations title as the tournament gets under way in South Africa. The manager confirmed that Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho was a positive first step towards the crown.

 “We are here to qualify for the final; so we played the Lesotho game to win,” El-Sayed was quoted as saying on CAF’s official website, adding: “I would like to congratulate Lesotho’s team for their good performance and I confess that our victory over them wasn’t easy at all.”

Egypt dominated in their opening match, scoring twice as Ahmed Hegazy and Mohamed Salah both slotted in goals. The Pharaohs are second in Group A with three points behind leaders Mali on goal differential after the latter beat South Africa 4-2 in the tournament’s opener.

The second round of Group A will be held Wednesday as South Africa plays Lesotho and Egypt faces a confident Mali.