Highlights Egypt 1-0 Angola | Ramadan Sobhi Injured

Egypt made a winning start to their Group F campaign on Wednesday.

A disjointed performance allowed Angola to mount threats, with Egypt guilty of giving away possession far too easily. The Pharaohs also appeared toothless without Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah, who could not make the game due to coronavirus restrictions in the UK.

El-Badry blamed fatigue for the unconvincing performance but said there is still room for improvement.

“This phase is the most difficult because of the tough circumstances we are enduring. We barely had time to prepare for the game and the players can be excused because they are very tired,” the 61-year-old coach told the post-match news conference, referring to a lengthy domestic season that ended this month.

“In the coming games, things will get better. I’m not yet satisfied with our display but what mattered most tonight is that we got a victory.”

Egypt are level on three points with Libya, who snatched a last-gasp 2-1 victory at home to Gabon. The seven-time African champions next meet Gabon away from home on Sunday.

El-Badry said he hoped Salah and Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny would be available against Gabon.

Salah’s absence in particular deprived Egypt of their most lethal weapon against Angola, with wingers Ahmed Zizo and Hussein El-Shahat failing to carry out the tasks Salah usually accomplishes behind the lines.

“There is a chance that Salah and Elneny will be present against Gabon. We will check whether they can be available,” El-Badry added.

Egypt and Pyramids FC winger Ramadan Sobhi’s is officially out from the Gabon game scheduled for Sunday

Sobhi was subbed in the second half of the Angola match and took a tumble after he was intercepted by the opposition’s defence, resulting in a broken finger. The medical staff then wrapped the broken appendage before allowing the player to finish the game.

Sobhi is one of Egypt’s key players given his dominating presence on the left-wing; the Pharaohs are in dire need of his services, especially given the absence of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah — who could not join the national team’s campaign due to the United Kingdom’s COVID-19 restrictions.