Pitso disappointed with Egypt decision

Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane says he is disappointed Egypt would field an under-23 side for their remaining 2012 Afcon qualifiers.

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South African coach Pitso Mosimane on Monday said that he was disappointed Egypt would field an under-23 side for their remaining 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The reigning African champions have all but been knocked out in the qualifiers and have decided that they will play their two remaining Group G games against Sierra Leone and Niger with their under-23 side.

Local media quoted the chairman of the Egypt football association Samir Zaher as saying that: “The results of the two matches are of no importance, so we decided to hand the task to the Olympic team (under-23 squad).

“It could be ideal preparation for the London 2012 Olympic qualifier in December,” he said.

South Africa top the group with eight points from their four games, while Niger have six points, Sierra Leone are on five points. Egypt have two points.

“It really doesn't affect us much because even if they were using their strongest side we still have a job to do for ourselves, we still have to win our matches.

“The bottom line is that qualifying for the 2012 Afcon tournament is in our hands, irrespective of what the others teams do. We have to beat Niger and Sierra Leone to make sure we qualify, we don't need any favours from anyone because in any case we have been top of our group since the beginning of the qualifiers,” Mosimane said.

“But at the same time it is amazing and disappointing at how Egypt looks at the Afcon qualifiers with two matches to go. We are talking about the Kings of Africa here, where's the pride of Egypt?

“We don't want to discredit their Under 23 squad but sending them to Freetown and then to host Niger looks like a donation of six points.

“Niger and Sierra Leone have to face us so we will fight for our six points, we must just focus on what we have to do, and I believe we can get those points in those two matches,” the coach said.

Egypt have called up experienced captain Ahmed Hassan to lead the inexperienced side.

“Egypt has a good crop of talented players who gave us a tough time in our two matches against them, so it surprises me that they have been left out even though the FA says its rebuilding its aging side,” Mosimane said. – Sapa-dpa

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/pitso-disappointed-with-egypt-decision-1.1122750

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