#AFCON2017: Quick turn-around time could hurt Egypt

Egypt coach Hector Cuper is unsure whether his team will recover in time for Wednesday's Afcon semi-final. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

Egypt coach Hector Cuper is unsure whether his team will recover in time for Wednesday's Afcon semi-final. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

Published Jan 30, 2017

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PORT-GENTIL, Gabon – Egypt coach Hector Cuper says he hopes his team can recover in time for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) semi-final after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Morocco in Sunday night's quarter-final.

Second half substitute Mahmoud Abdel Menaem “Kahraba” was named the man of the match after he volleyed home the winner from a corner fromin the 88th minute of the game. Cuper was a relieved man after the 90 minutes of tension and excitement and now has to prepare for Wednesday's semi-final against Burkina Faso.

"The team choice is my full responsibility. We had some problem with the aerial balls but thank god we won. We have a game in just 48 hours but I have to adapt with that. I will try to give the players time for rehabilitation and hopefully they will be ready for next game," Cuper said.

"The toughest part of the match was the whole 90 minutes. We saw how both teams missed scoring chances. I congratulate Morocco for their performance, they are a team for the future and their coach (Herve) Renard did an awesome job."

Renard, who was bidding to win his third Afcon title with as many teams, after previously taking the crown with Zambia and the Ivory Coast, was gracious in defeat.

"First of all congratulations to Egypt and their coach. They are a very strong team and it was hard to beat them. They returned after a long absence and what a good time it was for them," he said.

"I am satisfied with my team's performance. All the players were professional and I congratulate them. Bousouffa was exceptional and he helped his young teammates and I'm very proud of them.

"We got some chances but we didn't score – but this is football. My only regret is for the Moroccan people and my players. It's too difficult to say who is favourite to win in the semifinal. I wish all the teams the best and I respect all four sides in the semifinals."

African News Agency (ANA)

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