Egypt U-20 coach Ossama Nabih. Photo courtesy of EFA.
Hosts Egypt open the tournament against South Africa at Cairo International Stadium, with Nabih stressing his players’ focus and determination to make a strong start.
“Our players are fully focused and highly motivated to achieve a positive result in the opening game,” Nabih said during Saturday’s pre-match press conference.
“We are aiming for an honourable representation of Egyptian football as the host nation,” he added.
Egypt have been drawn in Group A alongside Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania. The tournament runs from 27 April to 18 May.
“African football has developed significantly—there are no longer big or small teams,” Nabih said.
“The tournament will be tough with balanced performances, but we have full confidence in our players,” the U-20 team coach said.
Team captain Ahmed Khaled echoed the coach’s optimism, calling on fans to rally behind the squad.
“We will fight to beat South Africa in the opening match to bring joy to the Egyptian fans,” Khaled said. “I ask all supporters to back the team during our national duty in this tournament.”
The top two teams in each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Chile in September.
Originally set to be hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, the tournament was relocated to Egypt in March after the West African nation withdrew, citing "unforeseen circumstances."
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: