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Tag: Hector Cuper

  • We’ll have an attacking approach in Alexandria – Cuper

    We’ll have an attacking approach in Alexandria – Cuper

    Egypt coach, Hector Cuper has said that the Pharaohs would adopt an attacking strategy when they take on Nigeria today in a crucial African Nations Cup qualifier in Alexandria.

    The record seven-time African champions were cautious in Friday’s clash in Kaduna which saw them score in stoppage time to share honours in a 1-1 draw.

    “We will have an attacking approach in Alexandria,” Cuper told a TV program on Sunday.

    “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 also said the fan presence would be a great asset to his side after security officials agreed to allow up to 40,000 supporters to attend the match at Alexandria’s army-owned Borg El-Arab Stadium.

    “The presence of the fans will give us an edge. It will be different in Alexandria [than in Kaduna],” the Argentinean boss added. 

    The former Inter Milan and Valencia coach is also not concerned by the withdrawal of Chad.
    Chad’s results will be anulled 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.

  • Cuper happy with preparation for Nigeria matches

    Cuper happy with preparation for Nigeria matches

    Egyptian national team coach, Hector Cuper, said his team is ready for Nigeria, insisting he is happy with the preparations for this month’s African Nations Cup (AFCON) qualifiers against the five-time World Cup participants.

    The Argentine tactician has vowed to correct the lapses noticed during last weekend friendly against Burkina Faso.

    Egypt defeated the Burkinabes 2-0 at the Borg El-Arab stadium in Alexandra.

    “I am satisfied with the Burkina Faso game and I will work to avoid the mistakes made in the friendly when we face Nigeria,” africanFootball.com quoted Cuper as saying at post game press conference.

    “We almost reached the final line-up for the Nigeria game.

    “We build our squad depending on the players’ performance in the recent games.

    “The Nigeria game is a test to determine our real abilities, and we will do our best during this game.

    “I understand the criticism after facing minor teams since we didn’t reach the high performance we all look for. But we will do that when we play against Nigeria.”

     

  • AFCON: I hope we defeat Nigeria – Egypt’s coach

    AFCON: I hope we defeat Nigeria – Egypt’s coach

    Egypt national team coach, Hector Cuper, is hoping to defeat Nigeria when both sides meet in the African Nations Cup (AFCON) qualifiers next month.

    The Egyptians top their qualifying group with six points from two games, Goal reports.

    Before the crunch tie with Nigeria on March 25, the North Africans will face Burkina Faso on Saturday.

    Speaking at a press conference ahead of the encounter with the Burkinabes, the Argentine tactician said he will be hoping to use the game against the 2013 AFCON runners to test some players in the Egyptian league.

    “I am happy to meet with the players again in order to explain my thoughts and therefore increase the harmony between them and the coaching staff,” Goal quoted Cuper as saying on the match against the Stallions.

    “Burkina Faso’s game will prepare us well for the Nigeria clash in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, despite not having our players abroad, this is a good chance to test our local league’s best players,” he added.

    He also revealed the possibility of new players joining the camp ahead of Nigeria’s clash, claiming he is not moved by the inconsistency of  Cairo giants – Al Ahly and Zamalek.

    “The exclusion of some players from this training camp, doesn’t mean they won’t be called up for Nigeria’s clash,” he continued.

    “They just have to work harder and prove their worth. Therefore new players might get called up for Nigeria training camp.

    “I’m not worried by Al Ahly and Zamalek’s inconsistent form, this is the time for new teams and players to shine.

    “I hope we beat Nigeria or at least maintain the two-point difference between us, in order to qualify to the African Cup of Nations.”

     

     

  • AFCON: Egypt will not fear Nigeria – Cuper

    AFCON: Egypt will not fear Nigeria – Cuper

    Egypt national team coach, Hector Cuper, has said his side will respect any team and be fearless in the bid to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

    The Egyptians had won the AFCON a record seven times but had failed to qualify for the last three editions of the tournaments and last played at the World Cup in 1990 in Italy, Goal reports.

    Nigeria and Egypt meet in next month’s AFCON qualifier and the Argentine tactician insists his side will not look down on any team because it has hurt them in the past.

    “There is no such thing as easy opponents as journalists call them,” Goal quoted Cuper as saying on Fifa.com.

    “We must respect any team regardless of the ranking and history, because Egypt itself has suffered in the past qualifiers because it dropped points in what you call easy games.

    “I would be lying if I said that I don’t wish to avoid certain teams in the World Cup draw, but my job is to get Egypt prepared for any opponent.

    “My job is to make the likes of Côte d’Ivoire, for instance, be worried that they will face us.

    “I repeatedly tell my players that we can make people happy. Many people are suffering from the problems of everyday life.

    “Some are poor, some are unemployed. For those people, football might be their ultimate source of joy,” he concluded.