CAIRO: Egypt boss Hassan Shehata promised that his team will do their utmost during the African Cup of Nations (CAN), but couldn’t vow to claim the continental title.
The Pharaohs are seeking to win the biennial competition for the third time running to set a new record and make up for their World Cup disqualification after losing to Algeria in November s decider.
But Shehata believes that a CAN triumph for the defending champions is not guaranteed.
I can t promise that we will be crowned champions but I assure you that we will do our very best, the former Zamalek star told reporters.
Egypt are opening their campaign against Nigeria on Tuesday in Group C, which also includes minnows Mozambique and Benin.
When asked about his team’s opener, Shehata said: I don t want to talk about a single match. All our games are important and expected to be pulsating.
We will come on with the same frame of mind against all teams. Mozambique and Benin are not less threatening than Nigeria.
Egypt have won the nations cup title six times overall.
