Egypt’s first match under the helm Mexican coach Javier Aguirre exceed the expectations of many, with the Pharaohs smashing Niger 6-0 in a mostly one-sided match.
The 65-year-old coach, who replaced Argentinian Hector Cuper after Egypt’s poor performance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, saw Egypt play aggressively in the first of its qualifying matches for the Cup of African Nations.
The Pharaohs adopted an overtly offensive style of play – a stark contrast from the strategy adopted by Cuper at the 2018 World Cup and in previous years.
Ultimately, Egypt scored six goals at Alexandria’s Borg El-Arab Stadium, but also wasted a number of easy chances to score.
Egyptian striker Marwan Mohsen was the first to score, minutes after ‘Egyptian King’ Mohamed Salah missed a penalty. Ayman Ashraf scored the second goal, shortly before Liverpool forward Salah missed a second penalty. However, Salah made up for the miss, immediately netting Egypt’s third goal.
The last three goals of the match were scored by Salah Mohsen, Salah and Mohamed Elneny respectively.
Egypt’s clear victory over Niger means it is currently in second place in Group J of the qualifiers for the Cup of African Nations. Tunisia is in first place, with Swaziland and Niger tied in last place.
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[…] in September, Egypt started off the African Cup of Nations splendidly, smashing Niger 6-0 under the new Mexican […]