Egypt assistant coach Garcia relishes Cairo Derby

Amr Warda (L) of Egypt and Yury Gazinsky of Russia in action during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group A preliminary round soccer match between Russia and Egypt in St.Petersburg, Russia, 19 June 2018.

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Friday Mar 29, 2019. 12:00

Egypt assistant coach Tito Garcia has reflected on the team's recent international friendly against Nigeria.

The Pharaohs suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Super Eagles in an encounter which was played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Nigeria on Tuesday.

Egypt were without key players such as Mohamed Salah and Ahmed Hegazy.

“Overall we are satisfied with the players and what they performed on the pitch. Certainly there is a difference between the Niger game and the Nigeria one,” Garcia told an Egyptian local radio station.

“The circumstances of the Niger game were tough. It was difficult to play good football in such weather and circumstances, especially on that ground. The players could not express themselves in the ideal way," he added.

“Things were different against Nigeria. We conceded after eight seconds, we had several chances but we couldn’t exploit them.”

Garcia also discussed the upcoming clash between Egypt Premier League giants Al Ahly and Zamalek.

“The rapport between Al Ahly and Zamalek players is outstanding. Things were perfect between them in camp and we wish them the best in their game on Sunday," he concluded.