Egypt international Abdallah El-Said insisted that the team’s success comes before personal achievements after he scored the Pharaohs’ only goal against Uganda in the Africa Cup of Nations .
The Al Ahly attacking midfielder, who was named Man of the Match in Egypt’s win over Uganda, scored a late winner on Saturday to give the Pharaohs their first victory in Gabon.
“I’m happy for scoring and for getting the Man of the Match award, but I’m even happier that we won the game,” El-Said revealed during a TV interview after the match.
“The victory is more important,” he added.
El-Said came on as a second-half substitute, as Egypt manager Hector Cuper brought him on to replace Tarek Hamed on the one-hour mark.
“It’s the coach’s decision and I’m a professional player. I try to help the team whenever I can,” El-Said said regarding Cuper’s decision to exclude him from the starting line-up.
The 31-year-old added that the humidity and the poor pitch had a negative effect on the team’s performance. Egypt’s veteran keeper Essam El-Hadary had echoed similar views following the match.
Following the victory, record seven-time African champions moved up to second spot in Group D on four points, two behind leaders Ghana, whom they will face in their final group stage match.
The Black Stars had already secured their spot in the quarter-final after beating Mali on Saturday.