'After the goal we were under pressure' – Egypt U20 boss Gaber
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Egypt head coach Mahmud Gaber says they failed to recover from the shock of going down against Nigeria as the only goal of the game sealed the fate of the host country of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria beat hosts Egypt 1-0 on Wednesday at the Cairo International Stadium in the Group A game.
The Young Pharaohs created numerous chances to go in front but they lacked the cutting edge to convert the opportunities and head coach Mahmud Gaber says his team were under pressure after going behind to Solomon Agbalaka’s bullet header.
"The players were very tense after the goal and felt under pressure, and this greatly affected them,” the former Ismaily gaffer said.
“We missed many opportunities, and if we were focused, we would have decided the match in our favour."
The hosts were held to a goalless draw by Mozambique in the tournament opener and now sit in third place with a solitary point ahead of Saturday's must win match against high flying Senegal.
"The injury affected us greatly in the second half. We will not blame the matter on injuries, but we lost many distinguished players before the tournament,” Gaber added.
“But we are holding on to our hopes and we will fight to complete the campaign. Senegal is a strong team, but we will fight for the victory and to qualify."
