Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal has said they are determined to beat Senegal at their own backyard on Tuesday, seal the 2022 World Cup slot and prove that the Pharaohs are Africa’s best team.
The Zamalek keeper said this in a post-match interview ahead of the away second leg of the final qualifying round for the World Cup race for Africa.
Jabal, who thrilled the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon with his penalty saving antics, said revenge was the name of the two-legged World Cup play-offs. Egypt lost to Senegal in the AFCON final.
“We strive to win tomorrow and return to Cairo with the World Cup card,” he told Egypt FA website.
“Losing the African Championship was difficult. There should have been a strong response, and it was in the previous match in Cairo and we won. We seek to win tomorrow’s match to confirm that we are the best and that we were the best to win the African title.”
Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz has since motivated the Pharaohs to approach the second leg with humility after having won 1-0 in Cairo in the first leg.
“Egypt are ready for the second half. We have more energy than ever, with our humility, team spirit and teamwork. We will not be alone because we carry in our hearts the support of the Egyptian public,” the Portuguese mentor told Egypt FA website.
“We are all confident because we know that it is something higher than all of us. We seek to reach it and we may see it soon. We know that we can do it because we are ready to pay the price for playing a great match and offer all our efforts and sacrifices.”
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah will lead Egypt attack whereas his team-mate Sadio Mane will carry Senegal’s hopes.
