CAIRO: Zamalek duo Hazem Emam and Mohamed Abdel-Shafi believe they wouldn t have made Egypt s squad for the African Cup of Nations (CAN) if it wasn t for White Knights coach Hossam Hassan.
The pair was called up to the Pharaohs provisional squad for the biennial competition, along with five more Zamalek players.
Both wingers underlined Hassan s impact on Zamalek after he was installed at the Cairo club late in November, praising his managerial approach.
The Dean (Hassan) has given me a huge morale boost since his first day at the helm. I would say he s the reason why I was named in Egypt s squad, right back Emam told FilGoal.com.
Early this season I suffered a dip in form, but I m now at my best, psychologically and physically.
I was also given a more regular role under Hassan, which resulted in my improvement.
Emam, who came across as a revelation after he was promoted to Zamalek s senior-team last term, is expecting a tough competition for regular places at the Egyptian national side.
Turning into a regular starter won t be a doddle for me, especially that there are many right wingers on the list, the 21-year-old said.
I will be exerting huge efforts to realize my dream. My first objective was to make Egypt squad, but now I have bigger dreams.
On the other hand, Abdel-Shafi echoed Emam s sentiments, referring to Hassan s “immediate effect .
Zamalek s recent revival helped us all as players. So I think it is fair that I was called up, said the former Ghazl Mahalla defender.
I hope we can keep it going with Zamalek and I hope to become Egypt s number one left-back.
Ahly wide man Sayed Mowaad has been Egypt s regular left back of late. He was recalled for the African Cup of Nations which gets underway on Jan. 10.
