Hisham Yakan, the technical director of the Eritrea national team, spoke about the upcoming match against the South Africa national team scheduled for tomorrow as part of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Hisham Yakan said on On Channel: "I coached the Eritrea national team without knowing it, and I didn't know who its players were. These are difficult circumstances for any coach. Despite that, I achieved gains with them. The mission was challenging and an adventure; I accepted the task without even watching the players."
He continued: "Mosimane's presence as the coach of the South Africa national team does not frighten me. I fear no one and worry about no one. He is a great coach who surpasses me technically and has a stronger team than mine, but I fear no one. He is better and superior to me as a coach, but my experience on the field as a football player has made me accustomed to playing against top-tier opponents."
He added: "I spoke to the Eritrea players and told them, 'Do not fear any opponent and do not fear losing.'"
He continued: "I wanted to arrange a friendly match against the Egypt national team during the current international break. I wished to play this match so the players could benefit from the experience."
He went on: "I hoped to play the match, but I couldn't make the offer or speak with Hossam Hassan due to my travel circumstances to Eritrea. The Eritrean people love Egypt and Egyptians in an extraordinary way."
He noted: "I don't know whether the Football Association rejected playing the friendly match or not, but we did not send an official letter to the Football Association."
Regarding the summit match, he concluded: "I expect Zamalek to win the summit match with a score of 2-1."
