Egyptian midfielder Mohamed El-Neny in control of the ball during the match against Algeria. Photo courtesy of EFA.
The tournament, held in Qatar from 1 to 18 December, places Egypt in Group C with Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.
With the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) scheduled in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) decided in May to field a second-string squad for the Arab Cup while the other team prepares for the continental competition.
Coach Helmi Toulan said he remains confident despite limited preparation time and restrictions on players' availability.
Pyramids FC were unable to release most of their players due to domestic league fixtures on 3 and 6 December, which the Egyptian Pro League declined to reschedule.
After negotiations, the club agreed to release only striker Marwan Hamdi.
“I have confidence in my players to go far in the tournament,” Toulan told the pre-match news conference on Monday.
“Despite the difficulties, we managed in just three months to build a strong team that has gained the confidence of Egyptians.”
The squad includes several experienced internationals, such as former Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, now with Al Jazira (UAE), Ceramica Cleopatra’s Amr El-Sulaya, Zamalek defender Mahmoud “El-Wensh” Hamdi, Al-Shamal (Qatar) midfielder Akram Tawfiq and Ahly striker Mohamed Sherif.
Egypt produced convincing displays in friendlies against Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Bahrain.
After facing Kuwait, Egypt meet the UAE on 6 December before concluding the group stage against Jordan, three days later.
Egypt, champions in 1992, finished fourth at the previous FIFA Arab Cup, also held in Qatar in 2021.
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