Egypt’s Coach: “We Respect Zimbabwe and Know Them Well”

Egypt’s gaffer Javier Augirre says Egypt will respect Zimbabwe when the two get to meet tonight.

The pair, from Group A, lock horns at the Cairo International Stadium but the Mexican insists his charges are under zero pressure to deliver.

His returns as manager have been impressive, winning the previous friendly outings first against Tanzania (1-0) and Guinea Conakry (3-1) as he hopes to get off to a flying start against The Warriors.

“We have reached a very good form since we started preparing, and we have no problems either physically or technically. It’s a very important game as it’s the opening and we know the responsibility for us, yet we feel no pressure.

“We respect Zimbabwe and know them well. We will do our best come Friday. We are just thinking of Zimbabwe game now and will take one game at a time,” the 60-year-old told a pre-match briefing.

The erstwhile Atletico Madrid and Espanyol tactician knows he occupies a hot-seat and anything short of the gong will be considered a fiasco as The Pharaohs go out searching for their one of many trophies.

“For me, it’s normal. It’s the same as the Gold Cup: I played in 2009 and won it, but when I lost in 2001 they almost killed me. With Gold Cup, Mexico has to be the champions. And I’m feeling the same sensation here in Egypt,” he told The National.