TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON: "Our focus was qualifying for the semis" - Abdelrahman Mahmoud Boody
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Egypt booked their place in the semifinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations with a 4-0 victory over Mozambique at the Salle Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
The three-time champions saw off the challenge of the Mambas to join hosts Morocco as the two teams to advance to the business end of the tournament with a game to spare.
Mohamed Talaat scored a brace for Nader Rashad's Pharaohs, in between an own goal by Mario Gusta and a well-taken strike from captain Alaa Eissa.
"Coach Nader told us that after every match we move on and prepare well for the next one. Mozambique is a big, very strong team, but we prepared well," Abdelrahman told CAFOnline.
The North Africans will face Angola in the final group match, which could decide who finishes top of Group B.
"We prepared for Angola, one of the strongest teams in Africa, and we prepared well. Coach Nader emphasized that we shouldn't think about that now. When the next match comes, we'll think about Angola," the lanky forward said.
"All of us are eager to win the tournament. Morocco is a big team and very strong, but we prepared well for all the teams. We hope to win the tournament."
The Mambas will take on debutants Tanzania in Saturday's final group match at the Salle Ibn Yassine, after failing to qualify for the semifinals.
"The objective of the team was to go past the group stage. Unfortunately, we didn't attain our goal," said Mambas star Bubu.
"Egypt is a strong team. We knew exactly what we were going to face today, and we're going to work harder."
The Padaria Ayaan ace says the experience of competing against the best teams on the continent will help the team's development.
"We learn a lot, and it's good for us to be with the best teams in Africa. These players are the best, and the next tournament is going to be stronger, but we will be better."
