“Opening games are usually very complicated for the hosts, that’s why this victory is considered pleasing,” Hassan told Filgoal.com after Friday’s game.

Ahmed Hassan “Mido” and Mohamed Abou-Treika put Egypt ahead in the first-half of their Group A match before Hassan completed the rout with 12 minutes left to play.

The Besiktas midfielder admitted the Egyptian team were not at their best during the game, but insisted he and his teammates will gradually improve and do their best to win the African title.

Hassan commented on Mido’s missed penalty, saying: “Mido asked to take the spot-kick, and as team captain I agreed to give him the chance and make use of his good form during the match.”

“It’s not important who scores, because when we win, we win as a team, and when we lose, we lose as a team,” he added.

The 30-year-old player thanked the Egyptian fans for coming out to support the, noting that they were the driving force behind the victory.

Hassan urged fans to continue their support for the Egyptian team in their games against Morocco on Tuesday and Ivory Coast on January 28th.