Egypt faced a 2-2 draw against Mozambique, prompting a post-match reflection by Pharaons coach Rui Vitória. Speaking in a press conference, Vitória addressed the match dynamics, candidly pointing out lapses in concentration as a contributing factor to the unexpected result.
Vitória began by acknowledging the positive start, stating, “We started the game well, and we can summarize that in the first part.
We could have won. It’s all part of football.” While recognizing Mozambique’s quality as a formidable opponent, he emphasized that the tournament is a journey, and the team is neither the best nor the worst.
Despite an athletic advantage in the initial stages, Egypt found themselves sharing points after Mozambique capitalized on moments of defensive vulnerability.
When questioned about the team’s frustration, Vitória maintained his focus on the ultimate objective of securing victories, acknowledging the challenges posed by varying degrees of match difficulty.
Addressing the specifics of the draw, Vitória pinpointed a lack of rigor and concentration as crucial factors, particularly during the 10-minute lapse that led to Mozambique’s second goal.
He highlighted the difficulty of maintaining focus over 90 minutes but affirmed the team’s commitment to better preparation for subsequent matches.
In response to tactical inquiries, Vitória defended the 4-2-3-1 system employed, emphasizing its strategic complexity and the team’s ability to create difficulties for opponents.
Despite the draw, he expressed satisfaction with the system, citing previous successes against Algeria.
Looking ahead, Vitória refrained from ranking teams in the group but acknowledged Ghana’s strong performances in the past.
He maintained a respectful stance toward all teams, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and adaptability in the face of diverse challenges.
As Egypt prepares to face Ghana and Cape Verde in the group stage, Vitória remains focused on refining the team’s approach, recognizing that every match in AFCON 2023 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
