The group that includes Egypt for the Tokyo Olympics football tournament is a difficult one for all teams, according to the young Pharaohs coach Shawki Gharib, who vowed to be fair in his selections for the prestigious tournament.

Egypt were drawn in a tough group alongside heavyweights Spain, Argentina, and Australia in Wednesday’s draw for the summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, which will be held next July.

“Spain is Europe’s Champion, while Argentina is from the best teams in South America. Also, I consider Australia an European team, as it includes various players who play in Europe,” Gharib told ON Time Sports TV channel early on Monday.

“The group is difficult for all teams. [This tournament] is the second biggest after the World Cup,” the former coach of Egypt’s senior football team added.

The Pharaohs will start their final preparation camp on 5 July before their group stage games against Spain on 22 July, Argentina on 25 July, and Australia on 28 July.

Gharib has revealed recently that he has submitted an 86-man squad list for the Olympics, and it will be reduced to 50 by the end of May, while the final 22-man squad will be announced on 30 June.

“Justice will be the main criteria for our selections’ process. Players are enthusiastic for the tournament after the draw’s announcement last week,” Gharib added on Monday.

Under the guidance of Gharib, Egypt won the U23 African Cup of Nations on home soil in 2019.

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