In an exclusive interview with Goal.com, Roger de Sá, former assistant coach of the Egyptian national football team during the tenure of Portuguese head coach Carlos Queiroz, provided valuable insights into what sets Egypt apart from other teams, his surprise at Mohamed Salah, and the dynamics of the AFCON 2021 final against Senegal.
Addressing the question of whether Egypt deserved the AFCON 2021 victory more than Senegal, despite the penalty shootout loss, De Sá acknowledged the challenges faced by Egypt.
He pointed out that the Senegal team boasted 11 players from top European leagues, with a coach who had been with them for seven or eight years.
Despite the tough task, De Sá recognized Egypt’s admirable performance but ultimately believed that Senegal deserved the win.
Reflecting on Egypt’s success in the tournament and their journey to the final, De Sá credited their solid organization, defensive strength, and a deep understanding of their capabilities.
He emphasized that navigating a challenging group with Nigeria, facing Morocco and Cameroon in the semi-finals, and winning away against the host country showcased Egypt’s resilience.
De Sá pinpointed the memorable moment of defeating Morocco in the quarter-finals as a standout achievement, describing it as a convincing victory against a team that had impressed at the World Cup.
He commended the team for their exceptional work, acknowledging the remarkable progress made during the tournament.
When asked about the worst moment with the Egyptian national team, De Sá highlighted the reception in Senegal during the World Cup qualifying match, citing laser lights, lack of intervention from the African Union, and challenging circumstances around reaching the stadium as significant challenges.
Despite the adversities, he expressed pride in the team’s overall performance.
Praising the players he worked with, De Sá singled out Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Elneny for their outstanding qualities.
Describing Salah as a humble and incredible leader, he emphasized Salah’s commitment to learning and teamwork.
De Sá expressed admiration for Salah’s professionalism and generosity, citing him as one of the greatest footballers he has worked with.
Looking ahead to AFCON 2023, De Sá expressed confidence in Egypt’s potential to win the tournament.
He highlighted the team’s strong character, readiness to endure challenges, and the belief that they can compete at the highest level.
Drawing inspiration from the success of South African clubs in continental competitions, he stressed the importance of organization, professionalism, and self-belief for Egypt to secure victory.
In reminiscing about South Africa’s AFCON 1996 triumph, De Sá highlighted the significance of winning after the country’s unification post-apartheid.
He noted the transformative impact of the victory, instilling belief and determination in the team.
As Egypt gears up for future challenges, De Sá’s insights offer a glimpse into the team’s strengths, challenges, and the roadmap for sustained success on the African football stage.
