Pharaoh to attack Eagles non-stop, get huge fan boost for cracker News

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Pharaoh to attack Eagles non-stop, get huge fan boost for cracker

By Daily Sports on March 29, 2016

Head Coach of Egypt’s national team, Hector Cuper has promised that his charges will play with attacking intent against Nigeria on Tuesday when both sides meet in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying game in Alexandria.

The two sides fought out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna last Friday with Mohammed Salah’s injury time effort cancelling out Oghenekaro Etebo’s goal for the Super Eagles on the hour.

Cuper is full of respect for the Nigerian side but believes the Pharaohs will be in fine fettle for Tuesday’s game in Alexandria.

“We will have an attacking approach in Alexandria.

“We will try to create more goal scoring opportunities and to be better than Friday’s game, as we are only looking only for a win,” Cuper told Egyptian television network, Al Hayah.

The former Valencia trainer then discussed the expected electric atmosphere at the Borg El Arab Stadium.

“The presence of the fans will give us an edge. It will be different in Alexandria (than in Kaduna),” Cuper said.

Cuper also stated that he is not concerned by the withdrawal of Chad.

Chad’s results will be annulled after they withdrew due to “financial difficulties”. Leaders Egypt now have four points, two ahead of Nigeria and three clear of Tanzania.

“We are only focusing on Nigeria‘s game. That is more important for us,” Cuper said.

Egypt’s Interior ministry has announced that 40,000 supporters will attend Tuesday’s cracker to be played at the Borg El Arab Stadium. The Pharaohs would be assured of qualification for the 2017 AFCON if they manage to conjure up a win.

The announcement by Egypt’s interior ministry on the number of fans to be admitted into the Stadium on Tuesday was ratified by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced on Sunday.

Security officials initially approved the attendance of 10,000 fans before adding another 5,000 and finally settling on 40,000.

Fans have lined up in queues in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria to buy tickets since they were put up for sale a couple of days ago, prompting the EFA to ask security officials for an increase in the number of supporters allowed to attend the match.

On Friday, seven-time African champions Egypt secured a precious 1-1 draw away to Nigeria that kept them at the top of their group in the qualifiers.

The Pharaohs are on four points from two matches in Group G of 2017 AFCON qualifying while the Super Eagles have amassed two points from two games.

•Pieced together from separate Supersport reports. Photo shows the Pharaohs praying before a match.

Source Daily Sports

Posted March 29, 2016