Egypt assistant coach Diaa Al-Sayed conceded that the national team management was hoping to arrange tougher warm-up games ahead of the Mozambique qualifier.

The Pharaohs ended their preparation for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers opener, having played a number of low-profile friendlies against the likes of Chad, Uganda and Togo.

“We were really hoping to play bigger friendly games, but unfortunately that wasn’t possible,” Bob Bradley’s assistant Al-Sayed said at a press conference.

“Actually we made a few proposals to meet top teams but we were always rejected. Organizers even struggled to arrange the games we played.”

Mix

The Egypt squad are now boasting a fine mix of young talent and experience, according to skipper Ahmed Hassan.

“I think we’ve reached a high level of blending between young and experienced players,” the 36-year-old said.

“Other veteran players and I have been working with youngsters and I can say that they significantly progressed and will hopefully further improve.

“We all know Egypt has witnessed some unpleasant events recently and therefore we are determined to put a smile on the faces of Egyptian people by succeeding against Mozambique.”