Queiroz: Pharaohs fought hard for victory

Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz checks on injured Ahmed Hegazy of Egypt during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON quaterfinal soccer match between Egypt and Morocco

by Staff Reporter

Monday Jan 31, 2022. 14:00

Egypt head coach Carlos Queiroz hailed the fighting spirit of his team after they came from an early goal down to beat Morocco 2-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Sunday.

Sofiane Boufal gave the Atlas Lions a seventh-minute lead from the penalty spot at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium after Ayman Ashraf had brought down Achraf Hakimi inside the area.

It remained 1-0 at the break, but Mohamed Salah restored parity eight minutes after the restart to take the match into extra time, where Trezeguet struck to complete the comeback win.

The Pharaohs now face hosts Cameroon in the semi-finals on Thursday, February 3 at the Olembe Stadium, and Queiroz is hoping to have more players available for the crunch clash.

The Portuguese tactician acknowledged the efforts of the Moroccans, but felt his players showed tremendous fight to come out on top after 120 minutes.

“Both teams deserved to qualify for the semi-finals with great players on both sides,” he said in the post-match press conference.

“I am satisfied with the performance of my players. We have a good group with players who fight together in all compartments.

“Mohamed Salah had a good match today but for me we have to congratulate the whole team. We have several injured players, but all the players gave their best to win this match.”