Al-Ahly midfielder Abdallah El-Said became the most beloved player in the Egyptian football after he scored the winning goal against Uganda in the second round of the African Cup of Nations held in Gabon. El-Said was keen to speak to media about the difficult conditions experienced by the Egyptian team in Gabon.

 

El-Said said that he was fully committed to the instructions of Egyptian national team's coach Hector Cuper, and did not object sitting on the bench in the first half of the match against Uganda. He added that he did not find his name in the team's squad but he did not oppose the coach since the most important thing is to gain the three points to qualify to next stage in the tournament.

 

He added that Cuper gave him the chance to participate in the second half and he succeeded to score a goal and won the Man of the Match award in the game. "The most important thing for me is to be influential with the team," El-Said asserted.

 

"The victory of the Pharaohs over Uganda was important, as we will face the same team of Uganda within the coming months in the framework of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Egypt had to get the three points and beat the well-organized Ugandan team which showed its strength against Ghana in their first match. Our game in the world Cup qualifiers will be after a few months, however, the psychological side is very important. It is great to face Uganda again while they still remember that they lost to the Pharaohs in the African Cup of Nations finals," according to El-Said.

 

He stressed that he cannot object Argentine Cuper's plan which depends on defensive playing and fast counter-attack, noting that Cuper is a great coach and all the players have to work hard and implement the coach's instructions.

 

He revealed that he felt very comfortable with playing next to defensive midfielder Mohamed El-Nenny, stressing that he likes to play as a playmaker but he does not refuse to play in any position. El-Said added that El-Nenny gave him the freedom to move forward, especially as he can deal very well in his position.

 

 He continued that he really misses Al-Ahly midfielder and Captain Hossam Ghaly and he wished if he could join the Pharaohs in the Africa Cup of Nations, noting that he is a great player and on-pitch leader, and he could be very useful for the national team.