- Egypt reached the final in 2021 in Cameroon
- They play DR Congo in the round of 16
- DRC last played the AFCON in 2019
Egypt head coach Rui Vitoria says his side hungers for title number seven at the Africa Cup of Nations, but insists they have to go a match at a time. They take on DR Congo in the round of 16 in San Pedro, and are keen to make it into the quarters.
Last time out in Cameroon 2021, Egypt made it all the way to the final losing to Senegal.
“Coming here, we knew that we would only settle for the finals so it will be another final against the DRC. They are a good team and will be difficult to beat. We are ready but not 100% due to our numerous injuries, but we have to deal with it,” said the coach.
Egypt will be without star striker Mohamed Salah who is away in Liverpool after picking a hamstring injury, first choice keeper Mohamed Elshenawy is in Germany after undergoing shoulder surgery while Omar Marmous is ruled out after suffering concussion.
The tactician has called on his team to fight for their absent soldiers, and ensure passage into the next round.
Egypt had a bit of bad luck
Mohammed Salah celebrates after scoring for Egypt. Photo/ The Guardian
“We’ve had a bit of bad luck following us from the start but that’s football. We are ambitious. We are going to put our qualities into play. All the teams in this competition are equal,” said the coach.
DR Congo head coach Sebastian Desabre has admitted that Egypt will be the favourites as they two face off in the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations in San Pedro. The tactician believes they will be the underdogs in the duel, and must be at their best to get a result.
DR Congo were eliminated at this very same stage at their last AFCON in 2019 in Egypt, and their best ever performance since they won the title in 1974, is three back to back quarter final appearances in 1992, 94 and 96.
Desabre, despite his side being underdogs, hopes they can replicate that feat.
Egypt are favourites
DR Congo players in a past match
“Clearly, Egypt is the favourite in this match. We will be challengers and this position suits us too. The match will be difficult because we know the potential of Egypt. But we also know that we have a good margin for improvement,” Desabre said ahead of the match.
He added; “We know what we need to improve. Until then, we have shown interesting things but not necessarily validated by victories. My players are motivated. We are going to use the ball, and play our game. We want to show everyone that DR Congo is back,” added the coach.
DR Congo were winless in the group stages, picking three draws in a row which were enough to see them squeeze into second place in Pool F.
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