Egypt coach Hossam Hassan cut a satisfied but grounded figure after his much-changed side dug out a goalless draw against an aggressive Angola in Agadir.
“We wanted a positive result and this draw is satisfactory,” Hassan said, explaining that he rotated heavily to protect key players who had logged big minutes in the opening two group games. Egypt struggled to control the tempo for long spells, yet the coach stressed his contentment with the attitude and discipline of those who came in.
Angola carried the greater threat for most of the night, forcing Mohamed Shobeir into a spectacular first-half save from Fredy before the midfielder rattled the woodwork with a second-half free-kick. Substitute M’Bala Nzola went closest late on, shaving the outside of the post as Egypt hung on under sustained pressure.
Hassan, however, highlighted the clean sheet and his team’s composure in a bruising contest, insisting the point was earned “through resolve rather than fluency” as Egypt absorbed Angola’s late onslaught.
“We are happy with this result and we now look ahead to the round of 16, regardless of who we face. We are ready.”
