File Photo:Masry Coach Hossam Hassan (Photo: Al-ahram)
Masry coach Hossam Hassan said he is proud of his players after finishing second in their CAF Confederation’s Cup group, adding that all Egyptian League opponents now respect the Port Said-based club like the Cairo giants Ahly and Zamalek.
Two goals on each side of the interval gave Masry a 2-0 home win over Sudanese giants Al Hilal as the already-qualified side finished second in group B on Wednesday.
"I am happy to please Masry and Egypt fans alike as we are the country's representative in the competition," Hassan told the Bein Sports TV channel after the match.
"We didn't lose a single match in our group. This is a big achievement in such a strong competition. The players and the technical staff did their best.”
"I am happy and proud with my players despite their lack of experience. We hoped to qualify as the group winners, but ultimately we achieved good results and scored a number of goals," the former Ahly and Zamalek striker added.
Masry finished second in Group B with nine points, just one behind leaders Renaissance de Berkane of Morocco, who defeated Mozambique's UD Songo 2-1 in the other group game.
The coastal club, who ended the Egyptian Premier League at third place last season, lost just once against Ahly this season, while defeating Gouna in the opening match and drawing in their other two league matches.
"We are delivering good performances in the domestic league. All the teams respect Masry after our outstanding work in the past period. All teams treat us like Ahly and Zamalek," the Masry coach explained.
"Drawing with Masry in the final minutes is now like winning a tournament for league teams.”
"We suffered a lot in our recent trip to Mozambique and none of the football association officials helped us. We asked to postpone our following league match, but that didn't happen,” he added. "I want to tell the FA officials in Egypt that we are part of the whole organization. We suffered a lot from many absentees due to injuries or suspensions, and it took a lot of effort to overcome these obstacles.”
"I am not worried about my team and is the best is yet to come once our injured players return," he concluded.
The Confederation’s Cup quarterfinals draw will take place on Monday.
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