Egypt made up for a disastrous start to their Nations Cup qualifying campaign by claiming a 2-0 victory away to Botswana on Friday which revived their hopes of reaching next year’s Morocco finals as coach Shawky Gharib rang the changes.
Goals by: Mohamed Elneny and Mohamed Salah.
Watch the Goals here:
Gharib reshuffled his defence with the introduction of Ahly duo Mohamed Naguib and Saad Samir in the heart of a four-man backline, but they were barely troubled as Botswana offered little threat upfront.
The visitors looked assured at the back but, for all their domination of possession, they were largely toothless upfront in a first half which saw them create a couple of goal-scoring opportunities.
The Egypt forwards were let down by some poor control of long balls on the edge of the area. They also sorely missed the presence of a classic playmaker who can dictate play, dither on the ball when needed and distribute neat passes to onrushing wingers down both flanks.
Although attacking midfielders Walid Soliman and Salah, who supported lone striker Amr Gamal, looked lively, they were a bit profligate.
Mohamed Salah Amazing play:
Ayman Hefney Double Kick:
Players Celebrating after the match
Interview with Coach Shawky Ghareeb:
