When a Coach Fires Off Stats: Egypt's Arab Cup Gambit and a Warning Shot to Kuwait
5 December 2025
Egypt's Coach Responds to Kuwait Remarks
Helmi Toulon, Egypt's head coach in the Arab Cup, said he did not mean to insult Kuwait after the 1-1 opener.
Toulon stirred controversy with comments to reporters after the game, claiming Egypt could have won five goals per half against Kuwait.
Egypt will face UAE in the second group game, in Group C, in Qatar.
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Toulon insisted at the press conference that some misinterpreted his remarks; he cited only the statistics.
On Orlaio Kuzmin's praise for Egypt's players, Toulon said he appreciated it, but won't be fooled by kind words.
He noted UAE have fast, skilled attackers with a dangerous dribbling game.
We will study opponents via videos and rotate players to avoid injuries; haste cost us chances.
He also mentioned Karim Fouad's injury as a big blow, though what happened was fate.
Mohamed Elneny said everyone is ready for the UAE game and eager to win.
Elneny added there is a strong desire to go far in the Arab Cup.
He added that the UAE are a strong opponent and deserve respect given their league experience with Al Jazira.
Punchline 1: Football is a game of inches—and apparently, so is this press conference's mic.
Punchline 2: If the scoreboard lies, the memes tell the truth.
