CAIRO: Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan still sees hope in qualifying for the World Cup, following the demoralizing 3-1 defeat to Algeria on Sunday.
Algeria moved to the top of Group C with an astounding victory in Blida, leaving the African champions bottom of the group with a single point.
Hassan, who came on as a second-half substitute, is looking to get over the defeat as he believes that the situation is not too grim for Egypt.
It was a very heavy defeat, we know we didn’t play well, but there is still hope, Hassan told Al-Hayat TV.
Even if we have 50 percent hope, we must hold on to it. We still have four games left and if we win them we will be in the World Cup.
Hassan said that he spoke to his teammates after the game at Mostafa Chaker Stadium as he conceded that the dressing room atmosphere was gloomy.
We gathered after the match and I had to speak to the players because coach Hassan Shehata was [unavailable], added the Ahly midfielder.
The players were depressed of course, but I wanted to stress that no individual is to be blamed for the defeat. We all have lost.
I hope the media would back us and I hope fans won t be upset by our poor performance and continue to support us.
Egypt s next competitive test will be against the mighty Brazil in the Confederations Cup opener on June 15.
Shehata s team will then host Rwanda next month in a must-win qualifier after the South Africa showdown.
