Egypt coach Hossam Hassan satisfied with big win over South Sudan

(Photo: EFA)

“We studied the South Sudan team well before the game,” Hossam Hassan told a post-match press conference.

“I am satisfied with all the players’ performances” he added.

The Pharaohs lead Group B with four points after bouncing back from a goalless draw against Angola in the opening round in Cairo on Friday.

“It was normal to draw with Angola in the first round after spending a long time without playing following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as the players’ lack of readiness at the start of the league season,” Hassan said.

Omar Marmoush scored twice to end a six-month drought with the Pharaohs and lead the team to a commanding 5-0 victory over South Sudan in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group B qualifier at Juba Stadium on Tuesday.

Mostafa Ziko, substitute Ibrahim Adel and Barcelona youngster Hamza Abdelkarim were also on target.

“The match was difficult despite the big-margin victory due to the high temperatures and our lack of familiarity with playing on artificial turf,” the Egypt coach said.

The 60-year-old tactician also clarified his comments about the slow start to the Egyptian league, stressing that he had not criticized the competition.

“I didn’t criticize the Egyptian league. I just spoke about the players’ physical performance, as they did not produce the expected performance after playing five rounds of the domestic competition,” Hossam Hassan said.

“We are fortunate to have major Egyptian clubs such as Ahly and Zamalek. We have the biggest and best clubs in Africa,” he added.

“The Egypt national team and the clubs complement each other, and we work together to raise Egypt’s profile,” Hassan concluded.

Reason for Salah’s absence

Hossam Hassan revealed that Trabzonspor winger Mohamed Salah missed the game against South Sudan for personal reasons, while stressing that although the Egypt national team may be affected by the absence of key players, it does not depend on any one individual.

“Mohamed Salah is a very important player in world football at any time, but he was absent due to personal circumstances,” Hassan said.

“That is why I say the entire national team was going through difficult circumstances in the Angola match. Things would have been different if we had had a longer preparation period and had avoided injuries.”

“I am not making excuses or offering justifications because the national team may be affected, but it does not depend on any one player. All the players are important. At the same time, it is not right for a country of 120 million people for the national team to depend on one player,” he added.

“It is my responsibility to work with the committed players who are available to build a strong core for the national team.”

“I try to choose my words carefully when I speak because my intentions are good, but I am often misunderstood,” the Egypt coach concluded.

Egypt will now turn their attention to a friendly against South Africa in Cairo on 4 October.

Source: https://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/6/52/577814/Sports/National-Teams/Egypt-coach-Hossam-Hassan-satisfied-with-big-win-o.aspx