Egypt manager Hector Cuper maintained that the national team is not 'exclusive' for any set of players, stressing that the door is always open for anyone to join in the near future.

After leading Egypt to a 3-0 Cup of Nations qualifying win over Tanazania in his first game in charge, the Argentinean boss was keen to stress that inclusions and omissions would only be down to technical quality and not anything else.

"The national team is not exclusive for any set of players; everyone has the chance to join," Cuper said in the post-match press conference.

"The omission of Ismaily midfielder Amr El-Sulaya was down to technical reasons, and not due to what's being currently mentioned in the media.

Media reports indicated that the former Valencia boss ruled out El-Sulaya and Saleh Gomaa after both were linked with moves to Ahly and Zamalek.

"We played a very good game, wasted a lot of chances in the first half, but in the end the players stuck to my orders by maintaining pressure in the second half," Cuper added.

"I was actually not sure whether to start with Bassem Morsi ahead of the game, but saw keeping him as a wild card on the bench would eventually benefit us.

"Nigeria's win doesn't concern me at all; it's still early to talk about our game with Nigeria."

Eight-time African champions Egypt, who missed out on the last three Cup of Nations editions, were drawn alongside Nigeria, Chad and Tanzania in Group G.

Nigeria beat Chad 2-0 a day ago.

(For more sports news andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.)



https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/132787.aspx