Egypt Legend Claims Mahmoud Trezeguet Performs Better for Pharaohs Than Mohamed Salah

• Egypt needed late goals, and Ghana collapsed in a bid to reach the last 16 at AFCON in Ivory Coast
• The Pharaohs drew 2-2 with Cape Verde in their final Group B game on Monday in a dramatic match
• Egypt legend Wael Gomaa has said Trezeguet is more important for the team than Mohamed Salah

Three-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Egypt, Wael Gomaa, has said Mahmoud Trezeguet plays better than Mohamed Salah in Egyptian colours.

Trezeguet came up clutch for the Pharaohs in their epic 2-2 draw against Cape Verde, which sealed their progression to the Round of 16 at the 2023 AFCON.

The winger took the Man of the Match award against Cape Verde, and his contributions to the Egyptian national team in the tournament have gone under the radar, per CAF.

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He now has two assists and a goal in Egypt's three matches so far, and with Mohamed Salah out with injury, his importance cannot be understated.

Against Cape Verde, the Trabzonspor forward started from the bench but was brought on in the second half. He needed five minutes to get on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, Salah is yet to light up the tournament. Before he got injured, he scored a penalty and assisted Mostafa Mohamed's goal against Mozambique.

Gomaa on Trezeguet and Salah

Wael Gomaa was part of the Egyptian side that won three straight AFCON crowns in 2006, 2008, and 2010. He said Trezeguet's importance to the team is much bigger compared to Salah.

“Trezeguet is the most important player in the Egyptian national team in recent years, more important than Mohamed Salah in terms of performance, impact, and the team’s results," via KingFut.

“He is an indispensable player for the Egyptian national team, and it is not right to have a player with such capabilities on the bench."

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The seven-time champions are waiting to know their opponents in the round of 16 and Trezeguet will be expected to produce another match-winning performance.

Gomaa also mentioned the likes of Mostafa Mohamed, Marwan Ateya, Emam Ashour, and Omar Marmoush as Egypt's key players.

Gomaa calls out Egypt's coach

Sports Brief earlier reported on Gomaa calling out Egypt coach Rui Vitoria after the Pharaohs draw against Egypt.

Vitoria has not won a match with Egypt at AFCON in Ivory Coast. They have drawn all their matches 2-2, but they managed to sneak into the last 16.

Gomaa expressed reservations about Rui Vitoria's suitability as Egypt's head coach, asserting that he lacks the ability to bring out the best in the team.