Abu Qir Fertilizers deserved Egyptian Premier League win over Al Masry, says Haytham Shaaban

Haytham Shaaban believes Abu Qir Fertilizers deserved to beat Al Masry despite being held to a 1-1 draw in the Egyptian Premier League.

The two sides shared the points in the seventh round at New Suez Stadium, where Shaaban took charge of Abu Qir Fertilizers for the first time since replacing Magdy Abdelaty.

Speaking to On Sport after the match, Shaaban thanked the club’s board for giving him the opportunity to lead the team during a difficult period.

“I thank the Abu Qir Fertilizers board for giving me the confidence to coach the team in these circumstances, and after a respected coach such as Magdy Abdelaty,” he said.

Shaaban also paid tribute to the work done by his predecessor, saying it had helped make the transition easier.

“I am lucky to take charge of a team after a respected coach who did a good job with the team, which made my task a little easier,” he added.

“I thank them for building the team at the start of the season. I have not done any technical work yet; all the work has been psychological, to help the players move beyond this run of defeats.

“Today, the players were freed from that run and performed well.”

Shaaban said his previous knowledge of Abu Qir Fertilizers had convinced him they could have taken all three points against a strong Al Masry side.

“Having followed Abu Qir Fertilizers, I believe we could have won today, even against a strong team such as Al Masry,” he said.

“I think we produced a performance that deserved victory. We would have won if not for a strange mistake by a young player, but such things happen in football.”

The match was Shaaban’s first as Abu Qir Fertilizers manager after he was appointed to succeed Abdelaty.