Ramzy: Egypt won't think of AFCON final at the beginning

epa07170633 Tunisia's Naim Sliti (L) in action against Egyptian players Mohamed Elneny (R) during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 qualifying soccer match between Egypt and Tunisia in Alexandria, Egypt, 16 November 2018. EPA/KHALED ELFIQI

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Jun 13, 2019. 16:00

Egypt assistant coach Hany Ramzy has made it clear that the Pharaohs are targeting this year's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

"We are competing for the title, but we won't think of the final at the beginning; as we will take the mission step by step," Ramzy told ON Sport channel.

Egypt, who will host the tournament between June 21 and July 19, have been busy with their preparations for the competition.

"Time is limited ahead of the tournament so we are working hard on different aspects.

"The first step was putting in place physical programs for every player, whether the foreign-based ones or Zamalek's exhausted players, according to everyone's specific physical measures," he added.

"Zamalek players are exhausted on both the physical and mental levels after the recent triumph in the African Confederation Cup, so they need a specific program.

"We also need to examine all the called-up players through the two friendly matches, as we need to settle on the substitute players who will support us in the long tournament.”

The Pharaohs are looking to clinch a record-extending eighth AFCON title this year.

They are in Group A along with Zimbabwe, Uganda and DR Congo.