Former Egypt skipper Ahmed Elmohamdy believes Rui Vitoria should have started with Marwan Ateya in midfield against Mozambique.
Egypt rescued a late point as they drew 2-2 with Mozambique in their opening game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday.
The Pharaohs initially took the lead through Mostafa Mohamed after two minutes before Mozambique scored twice in quick succession to turn the game on its head.
However, a late penalty dispatched by Mohamed Salah was enough for Egypt to salvage a draw after a disappointing start to their AFCON campaign.
Giving his insight on the game, Elmohamady claims that the Pharaohs could have avoided the two conceded goals had Rui Vitoria placed a defensive midfielder like Marwan Ateya in the starting line-up.
“The team started excellently and scored a well-positioned goal, but they didn’t capitalize on that opportunity to score a second goal,” Elmohamady said.
“After that, there was a slowdown that Mozambique players exploited, and they entered the game.
“The first goal was due to a defensive lapse, and the second goal was due to randomness in the midfield.
“In the second half, in general, there was randomness.
“I said that a well-positioned defensive midfielder is necessary, and Marwan Ateya should have been present. Mozambique took advantage of this randomness.”