Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz gives instructions to Mohamed Magdi.
Doha: Egypt showed a ‘strong personality’ in their comeback win over Jordan, which ensured they qualified for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 semi-finals, according to coach Carlos Queiroz.
The Pharaohs rallied from going a goal down early in the first half to edge the depleted Jordanian side 3-1 on Saturday after extra time. The win sets up a North African derby with Tunisia at Stadium 974 on Wednesday.
The victory also means Egypt qualifies for an Arab Cup semi-finals for the first time in 29 years, though the Arab Cup was last hosted in 2012, and before that, it was hosted in 2002 after a 10-year-gap.
“The players were nervous at the beginning of the match. On the other hand, Jordan started very strong, but our comeback was wonderful,” Queiroz said.
Ali Al Naimat had put the Jordanians ahead in the 12th minute of the game. Nevertheless, the 1992 champions replied with Marwan Hamdy before Ahmed Refaat, and Marwan Daoud sealed the comeback in style in extra time.
“Egypt’s players are young, and therefore they are credited with their strong personality. We controlled 60 or 70 percent of the game. After the first 20 minutes, we completely controlled the match. We controlled the game, we wanted to win, and the final result is an award we deserve,” Quweiroz added.
The Portuguese coach also noted that his side must learn from their mistakes to develop. “We made some mistakes, which is what all teams do, but if these players do not make mistakes and learn, they will never develop,” he said.
Commenting on the difference between Asian and African teams, Queiroz, who has coached Iran, UAE, South Africa, and now Egypt, said, “It is impossible to judge. This tournament is for the Arabs, not for the two continents. There is a similarity in the style of play between Egypt and Jordan. The Jordanians should be proud of this team,” he added.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy admitted The Pharaohs’ poor start to the match but stressed they did enough to win.
“We started fully focusing 15 minutes into the game,” El Shenawy said. “We played against a strong and organized team, but we reached our goal in the end. As players, we stand as one, and we set our sights on winning the championship, but wew approach each match separately.”
El Shenawy and Hamdi Fathy are doubts for the semi-finals but would be reassessed. Ahmed Hegazi is expected to return to team training soon after his injury against Algeria in their last group match, while Ayman Ashraf is recovering.
The Pharaohs also took Sunday off and will be back in training today.
