Sudan outclassed Egypt in a friendly game in Omdurman as the African champions suffered their heaviest defeat since the 5-0 loss to France in 2003.

“The technical staff is fully responsible for this result,” Gharib told the post-match press conference.

“But people must be aware that the players are yet to reach their peak because we are still in the early stages of the season.

“Egypt always lose during that time of the year because of that reason.”

Gharib admitted that the 4-0 defeat will be hard to swallow, but believes that friendlies are arranged for purposes which are much more important than results.

“We used many players against Sudan to settle on the best possible line-up for our World Cup qualifier against DR Congo next month.”

Egypt face DR Congo, who share Group 12 summit with the Pharaohs on nine points, away from home on the fifth of September.