Egypt defender Ahmed Saied insisted that the fans’ support for their national team was the reason behind his top-notch performance in their Group A final-round match against Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations (ACN).

“The fans’ support for Egypt and for me is the main reason behind why I played so well. Any player will give his best when he finds so much support,” Saied told Filgoal.com exclusively on Sunday.

The Zamalek defender excelled during Egypt’s round-one matches and helped his team qualify to the African Cup quarter-finals after topping the Group B standings with nine points.

Saied also insisted that neither him nor his teammates didn’t care who they were going to face in the quarter-finals as long as they weren’t Cameroon.

“We’re ready to play against DR Congo, it’s good that we wont play against Cameroon,” Saied said.

Egypt defeated Ivory Coast 3-1 in the first round and qualified to the quarter-finals where they will meet Group B second-place DR Congo, while leaders Cameroon will play against Ivory Coast.