Mighty Warriors coach Shadreck Mlauzi feels Egypt didn’t give Zimbabwe the test they expected in a friendly match which the hosts won 2-1 at Rufaro stadium in Harare on Tuesday.

Despite giving a run to a number of fringe players, Mlauzi felt the Mighty Warriors were not pushed hard by Egypt whom they face in the group stages at nations cup in Cameroon in December.

“They didn’t really they didn’t push us to the levels we expected from them. Maybe we expected more from them because Egypt have technically gifted players.  In terms of technical aspect we expected, we didn’t get but things change and we will see when we meet them in Cameroon. We respect them,” said Mlauzi.

Zimbabwe dominated the first 45 minutes, knocking the ball around with aplomb restricting Egypt into their own half. Maude Mafuruse gave the Mighty Warriors the lead after thirteen minutes before Tonderayi Masango doubled the lead with a beautiful kick midway in the first half.  The Egyptians came back in the second half a better side with substitute Aliaa Shoukry pulling one back soon after the breather but could not mount a challenge to get the equaliser.

Egypt coach Abdelatif Emam blamed the artificial turf at Rufaro stadium for the defeat.

“Our players struggled to adjust to the artificial surface of the pitch. We could not play our normal game but started picking up in the second half as the players were slowing getting used to the surface. But it was a good game by both teams, the players gave a good account of themselves. Zimbabwe are a good side and we are looking forward to a good game against them in Cameroon,” said Emam.