Egypt assistant coach Osama Nabih: Shikabala was tactically intelligent

Shikabala, Egyptian international

Monday Nov 13, 2017. 17:00

Egypt assistant coach Osama Nabih says Mahmoud Abdel-Razik, also known as ‘Shikabala’, was exceptional against Ghana and fulfilled his duties.

Nabih lauded the former Zamalek star, saying he was tactically intelligent as the midfielder scored in their 1-1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier draw against Ghana on Sunday.

Playing in his first Egypt game for the first time in three years, an in-form Shikabala put in an impressive display.

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"Shikabala is tactically intelligent. He fulfilled most of the duties that we've assigned him in the game," Nabih told ON Sport TV channel.

"The players were under pressure to prove themselves to the Egyptian fans and not to the management; because they know well that we're convinced they are good players.

"We rested Mohamed Salah, Ahmed Hegazi and Mohamed Abdul-Shafi to give other players the chance. Due to the injury of other players they could have well taken the chance as well."

Despite the draw, the Pharaohs had already secured a spot at the World Cup after overcoming Congo 2-1 in the penultimate round, reaching the tournament for the first time since 1990.