Egypt coach admits Ghana's superiority in the second half

kwame 11:00 - 26 January 2017

Black Stars played a great second half against Egypt and coach Hector Cuper had acknowledged Avram Grant's men.

Egypt coach Hector Cuper has admitted that Ghana gave his side a good run for their money in the second half in the final game in Group D on Wednesday night at Port-Gentil.

The seven-time African champions dominated play in the first half and they got their goal in 10th minute through Mohammed Salah’s exquisite free-kick.

The Black Stars then upped their game in the second half but 44-year-old shot stopper Essam El Hadary came to the rescue of his side as he stopped two fantastic strikes from Jordan Ayew and Agyemang Badu.

“We always think of winning whatever game we are going into. I wished to play a better game especially in the second half, but we were facing a very strong team in Ghana. They were very dangerous especially in the second half,” Cuper said after the game.

He continued: “Ahmed Fathy played as a left back because it was a tough game and we needed his experience.

“We will start immediately preparing for the quarter final game against Morocco.

“Our ambition is very high and we are happy to win such a tough game. Our next game is even more difficult but I promise our supporters back home that we will fight till the last second.”

The win helped Egypt to top the Group and they will face Group C runners-up Morocco on Sunday.