Egypt head coach Rui Vitoria said the Pharaohs’ target at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is to lift the trophy in Ivory Coast.
Egypt is the most successful country in the history of the flagship African football competition with seven trophies in their cabinet and they reached the final of the 2021 edition where they lost to Senegal in the final via penalty shoot-out.
However, they are yet to lift the trophy in 14 years with their last AFCON success dating back to 2010 when they defeated Ghana 1-0 in Angola.
Vitoria, in his press conference on Saturday, said his team is ready to challenge 23 other teams for supremacy in Ivory Coast with their sights set on the trophy.
The Pharaohs are set to face Mozambique in their first Group B match inside the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Sunday.
“We are ready for the tournament, acknowledging that the Mozambique national team is outstanding but our focus is always on winning,” Vitoria told the media.
“We respect all teams, recognising the crucial importance of a strong start and our ambitions are high.The Egyptian national team is formidable, boasting a rich history in African tournaments.
“We enter any championship with the goal of clinching the title, putting in dedicated efforts in every match.”
The 53-year-old Portuguese also reserved praise for Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah for his outstanding and crucial contributions to the team.
“We have top-tier players, all fully prepared for the tournament. Mohamed Salah, a standout player, is a significant addition to our team,” Vitoria said.
