The match is due to start at 22:00 Cairo local time | 15:00 ET Canada-USA
Venue: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Abidjan)
Egypt’s coach, Rui Vitoria, emphasized that his primary concentration lies on the upcoming Monday’s game against Cape Verde in the concluding stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group phase.
Vitoria refrained from discussing his future with the team in light of their recent decline in performance. Having drawn in the initial two rounds of the AFCON group stage, the Pharaohs currently occupy the second position in Group B with a total of two points.
They are trailing behind Cape Verde, who have already secured a place in the round of 16 with four points.
“We are well aware that we will face a tough opponent, but we have prepared thoroughly for all the teams in the group,” Vitoria stated during the pre-game press conference.
“We must demonstrate determination and play with intensity to overcome Cape Verde. I am fully aware that tomorrow we will face a formidable opponent,” added the Portuguese coach.
Recognizing that Egypt has been generating scoring opportunities, Vitoria acknowledged the necessity for enhancements in their defensive capabilities.
The 53-year-old coach chose not to delve into discussions about his future with the Pharaohs, stressing that his attention is exclusively directed towards the forthcoming clash against Cape Verde.
“I do not dwell on or speculate about what will happen after the Cape Verde game. Our concentration is solely on the match,” concluded Rui Vitoria.
SALAH OUT!
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) revealed that Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian winger from Liverpool, is scheduled to depart from the current Pharaohs squad in Cote d’Ivoire to resume his rehabilitation at the Premier League club in England.
Salah suffered a hamstring injury in Egypt’s 2-2 draw against Ghana during a Nations Cup Group stage match on Thursday. The doctor for Egypt indicated that the Liverpool star requires approximately one week of treatment for the injury.
The EFA stated that Salah will rejoin the team if it advances to the semi-finals.
As seven-time champions of the AFCON, Egypt commenced their journey in the 2023 edition with a 2-2 draw against Mozambique, replicating the same outcome against Ghana in the second round.
