Egypt coach Toulan apologizes for Arab Cup results, expects ‘difficult’ Jordan test

Ahmed Abd El Rasoul , Monday 8 Dec 2025

Egypt’s B-team coach Helmi Toulan apologized for Egyptian fans after the humble results in the ongoing FIFA Arab Cup, ruling out changing the team’s playing style in Tuesday’s ‘difficult’ test against Jordan.

Egypt’s B-team coach Helmi Toulan Photo: EFA official facebook page

The Pharaohs' winless run in the tournament continued on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by the United Arab Emirates in their second Group C match.

The result came four days after the team opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Kuwait.

“I apologize for Egyptian fans for not securing the needed results. Thy now the difficult circumstances that we faced as we collected and prepared the team in a limited time before being obliged to make several changes just ahead of the tournament start,” Toulan said in a press conference on Monday.

“I take the full responsibility and despite what happened I want to thank the players for their performance, commitment and loyalty to please the fans,” he added.

After Saturday’s draw, Egypt remain second in the group with two points, while the UAE and Kuwait sit third and fourth with one point each.

Egypt will face group leaders Jordan on Tuesday in their final match, needing a positive result to keep their hopes of advancing alive.

Toulan stressed that he always does his best to please the attending fans in the Qatar-based tournament, hailing his next opponent Jordan and expecting a tough test on Tuesday.

“Changing the playing style isn’t easy as it needs along time of trainings but sure we will have new faces in the line up as the players suffer from the dense matches’ schedule,” the coach explained.

Jordan have already secured a place in the quarterfinals with six points from two wins.

“Jordan reached the World Cup finals and also delivered two strong games at the Arab Cup against UAE and Kuwait and so the game will be a difficult one for us,” Toualn added.

“Jordan team is excellent in playing modern football, organized and includes plenty of talented players in both striking and defence.

“I have big confidence in my players and their determination to fight in the field till the last minute regardless what is the result is. They exert all their effort and finally their fate is on their hands,” he concluded.

Egypt finished fourth in the previous edition of the tournament and won the Arab Cup once in 1992.

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