Javier Aguirre pleased with Pharaohs showing despite defeat

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Mar 28, 2019. 12:00

Egypt national team coach Javier Aguirre has expressed his satisfaction with the Pharaohs’ midweek showing despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nigeria.

The North African giants succumbed in a friendly against the Super Eagles in Asaba on Tuesday night, with Paul Onuachu netting the decisive goal early in the game.

Several players made their international debut for Egypt during the match, including Zamalek trio Mahmoud Gennesh, Mahmoud Alaa, and Ahmed Fetouh, as well as El-Dakhelya winger Islam Gaber and Nabil Dunga of Pyramids.

Aguirre was impressed with his charges, adding that handing these players international experience was more important than the result.

“I am satisfied with the team’s performance against a strong team,” Aguirre said in his post-match press conference.

“The whole match was a balanced one, except the early few minutes that saw us concede, however, our players restored the balance quickly and were a stiff opponent for the hosts.

“We have benefited a lot from the game as we tried a number of fresh faces amid our strategy to strengthen the team ahead of the 2019 AFCON,” he concluded.

Egypt captain and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny also spoke on the game, saying: “The game was very good and difficult.

“I knew many Nigerian players before the game, as we play together in the Premier League.”