Egypt international Mostafa Mohamed has responded to Azzedine Ounahi’s criticism while stressing that the Mozambique game won’t be easy.
The Pharaohs are set to open their 2023 AFCON campaign tomorrow, January 14, as they have been drawn in Group B along with Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
Egypt begins its quest against Mozambique, before facing Ghana on January 18 and then Cape Verde four days later.
Speaking of the Mozambique game, Mostafa Mohamed said: “Beginnings are critical.
“Our start in the previous AFCON was not good, but we corrected the mistakes, improved, and continued the journey. Unfortunately, luck was not on our side in the end.
“The coach emphasized dealing with each match separately, and our focus will be on winning the title step by step. We will fight to reach the highest point and achieve the title.
“We have a coach and players at the highest level. We are all the Egyptian national team, united as one, fighting for a specific goal: to achieve our dream.
“The match against Mozambique is extremely tough. Football has evolved a lot in the world, especially in Africa. There are no more easy matches.
“We are fortunate to have Mohamed Salah with us. We try to benefit from him to please the fans. He is a great player and a true leader, providing us with advice on and off the field, given his experiences throughout his career.”
Mohamed was then asked about Azzedine Ounahi’s comments in which he criticised Egypt’s playing style, saying the Egyptians would snatch a goal against the run of play and then will begin to waste time
“I haven’t heard or seen any statements from any Moroccan player, but if he said that, our history and numbers speak for themselves.
“We have won the title 7 times, and, God willing, we will achieve it for the eighth time. If he believes that approach brings victory, I advise him to do it to win titles.”