AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Aliou Cisse dismisses Egypt rift talk after Angola frustrate Pharaohs

Angola coach Aliou Cisse has dismissed suggestions of any tension with Egypt boss Hossam Hassan, insisting the two managers share “the utmost respect” after their sides played out a goalless draw in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Group B encounter at Cairo International Stadium on Friday ended without a goal, leaving Egypt and Angola with one point each, behind leaders Malawi, who defeated South Sudan 2-1.

Speaking after the match, former Senegal coach Cisse rejected reports of a strained relationship with Hassan.

“There is no disagreement between Hossam Hassan and me,” Cisse said. “We both have the utmost respect and appreciation for each other.”

The 2021 AFCON-winning coach also reserved special praise for Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, describing the Liverpool forward as one of the world’s elite players.

“Salah is definitely a fantastic player and one of the top five players in the world. When he is on the pitch, you can’t sleep well.”

Despite Salah’s influence, Cisse said Egypt’s threat extends beyond their captain.

“Salah is not alone in the Egyptian national team. There are many outstanding players, and even after he was substituted, Egypt continued to perform very well.”

The 48-year-old added that his side had expected a difficult test regardless of Salah’s presence, having already highlighted Egypt’s strength before the match.

Cisse praised Angola’s disciplined display, particularly their defensive organisation, while noting that his team also created several dangerous chances.

“We played a good match and were very well organised on the field. We were able to achieve many of the tactical goals we planned before the match.”

Egypt will continue their qualifying campaign away to South Sudan on Tuesday before rounding off the international window with a friendly against South Africa.