Javier Clemente: Libya manager admits superiority of Egypt in World Cup defeat
Libya manager Javier Clemente has admitted Egypt were the better side on Friday, saying his team will play in a different way in the next game.
Going into the Libya clash at Borg El-Arab, Egypt wanted nothing but victory, after picking just four points from their opening two games.
Egypt dominated the game against their neighbouring country, but managed to win by just one goal, which was scored by debutant Omar Marmoush.
It could have been a totally different story hadn’t it been for Mohamed El-Shennawy’s heroic save against Mohamed Zubya, which saw the ball hit the post from close range.
But still, Javier Clemente admitted his side didn’t deserve anything out of the game as the hosts were a better side.
Speaking after the game, the ex-Spain manager said: “I am proud of my players and happy with their performance.
“Facing Egypt was difficult because they were better than us today, and I congratulate them on winning.
“Only one team will qualify from the group, and Queiroz chose all the players that can apply the way his tactics.
“Today’s loss put Egypt top of the group and one point ahead of us, but during the next match in Libya, we will do a special job.
“I don’t have a specific plan for the next game, but I hope we are better and to clinch the three points.
“Egypt have very excellent players and Queiroz has many solutions, we hope luck is on our side the next game, which will be a crucial one for both teams.
The Group F standings are currently Egypt in first place with seven points, Libya are second with six points, Angola lie third with three points, and Gabon are in last place with only one point.
Egypt will face Libya once again three days from now, Monday, October 11, but this time in Benghazi, with a victory nearing them closer than ever of advancing from their group.
