
File Photo: Egyptian national team and Ahly defender Rami Rabia in action. Photo courtesy of Rami Rabia Instagram.
The Pharaohs are scheduled to face Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau on 6 and 10 June, respectively, in the second and third rounds of the African World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Currently leading Group A with six points, Egypt secured an emphatic 6-0 victory against Djibouti and a 2-0 win over Sierra Leone in the initial rounds, closely followed by Burkina Faso, who are in second place with four points.
"The games against Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau are crucial to maintain our position at the top of the group," Rabia told OnTime Sports TV channel.
"We need complete focus and maximum effort, especially against Burkina Faso, considering it's the first official match under our new coach Hossam Hassan, and it's at home with our fans behind us," he added.
Rabia also believes the recent Capital Cup friendly tournament proved beneficial for the national team. "It provided valuable experience and allowed coach Hassan to assess the squad," he said.
Ahly, Zamalek's achievements prove Egypt strength
The 31-year-old defender highlighted the significance of Ahly and Zamalek's recent success in winning the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively, suggesting it’s proof of the national team’s strength.
"The recent achievements of Ahly and Zamalek in Africa are a testament to the strength of Egyptian football and demonstrate that the players are well-prepared to represent the national team," Rabia stressed.
"We are counting on the unwavering support of our fans during the game against Burkina Faso," he continued. "They are our biggest motivator, just like they were a key factor in the victories of Ahly and Zamalek. We will deliver a performance worthy of the Egyptian national team."
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