The performance is more important than winning by three goals against Zambia in an African Cup of Nations warm-up, according to Egypt trainer Hamada Sedki. The five-time African champions began their CAN preparations with a comfortable win, thanks to a double from Amr Zaki and a goal from skipper Ahmed Hassan. "The result wasn't important, all what counts in this phase is the display and it was very good against Namibia," Sedki told FilGoal.com. Sedki is also delighted striker Emad Meteb came through the full 90 minutes unscathed. The Ahli striker was complaining from a back problem, to the worry of Egypt boss Hassan Shehata, who is likely to miss Middlesbrough frontman Mido in CAN due to injury. However, Meteb managed to recover quickly and took part in Egypt's friendly win over Namibia.
Meteb is fully fit "Meteb's return to action is one of the match's benefits especially that he did not train with his teammates during the past few days" Sedki said. Shehata made five substitutions during the game as he wanted to settle on the best possible squad for the prestigious tournament. "We gave a chance to several players to prove themselves ahead of the tournament because it was the last match before announcing Egypt's final squad," Sedki concluded. Shehata is expected to announce his final 23-man squad for CAN before Egypt head to UAE to face Mali on January 10th. The Pharaohs will conclude their preparations against Angola three days later in Portugal.
