In the aftermath of the enthralling 2-2 draw between Egypt and Ghana in the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations group stage, an impromptu meeting unfolded involving match observer and Gabonese referee Pierre Atchoo.
The discussions centered on pivotal moments within the game.
A source within the African Football Confederation’s referee committee, speaking exclusively to “The Nation Sport,” revealed that the match observer convened with the referee to address certain aspects of the game.
Particularly, the focus was on revisiting the use of video technology for multiple incidents involving Ghanaian players, specifically in the aggressive challenges against Egypt’s Imama Ashour and Mohamed Hamdi.
The source emphasized that the decision not to award penalties during the match was accurate, clarifying that both incidents involving Imama Ashour and Omar Marmoush were rightly deemed non-penalty offenses.
Additionally, the annulment of Mohamed Abdel-Moneim’s goal was also deemed a correct decision.
The Egyptian national team, after drawing 2-2 against Ghana, is gearing up for a challenging match against Cape Verde next Monday.
In a related context, Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria, Egypt’s head coach, commented on the national team’s performance against Ghana, expressing satisfaction with the players’ second-half reaction.
Vitoria acknowledged the players’ resilience and focus, urging them to concentrate on the upcoming match against Cape Verde.
Regarding the preparation for the Cape Verde match, Vitoria remarked, “No match is easy, and we have seen how they defeated Ghana.
We will prepare well for the match.”
Vitoria concluded by addressing the exertion of the Ghana match, stating, “It was a demanding game for the players.
We will now have a rest after today’s match and then prepare to secure our first victory in the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Egypt’s national team, after drawing with Mozambique in the opening match, has now secured a second consecutive draw against Ghana in the tournament.
