Egyptian Football Association (EFA) chairman Samir Zaher said he is delighted with his side's 3-0 victory over Libya in the African Nations Cup opener and called on the players to keep their focus through out the group stage. "It is great for us to kick-off our campaign with such a big win," Zaher told reporters in the Cairo Stadium after Friday's match. "The margin should have been bigger considering the number of chances we created during the game but the final score is good for the opening game. "I hope this will be a starting point to more victories, especially in the next game against Morocco which should be our passage to the knock-out stage." Ahmed Hossam "Mido" and Mohamed Abou-Treaka scored to give Egypt a two-goal lead in the first-half before captain Ahmed Hassan sealed the victory after the break. Egypt played a more defensive game after going three up, with attacking midfielder Abou-Treaka substituted by Ahli teammate and half-defender Hassan Mostafa.
Egypt players pose for a team photo Zaher praised coach Hassan Shehata and stressed he brilliantly managed the team to this precious victory. "Shehata started with the best possible starters and made two instrumental substitutions," he said. Zaher, who also works as the vice-president of the United Arab Football Association (UAFA), called on the fans to support the team in the next two matches without putting much pressure over the players' shoulders. "We target the African title but we have to go for it step by step. Now we are only thinking of Morocco match and after that we will see what we need to do." Egypt will take on last tournament's finalists Morocco in their second group-stage game on Tuesday.
