This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Caf
The Egyptian coach of the U20 Osama Nabih said that his team would fight “with strength and courage” while she is preparing to face Morocco in the semi-finals of the African Totalnergies Cup of Nations Egypt 2025.
After a spectacular quarter-final against Ghana, which assured Egypt for the U-20 World Cup in FIFA in Chile, the young pharaohs are now aiming for continental glory in front of their audience.
“This match is like an Arab final,” said Nabih at the pre-match press conference.
“Morocco is a strong and well -organized opponent. They were impressive at all levels and we have to be up to par.
Egypt qualified for the semi-finals after a 2-2 draw against Ghana in regulation time, before winning 5-4 after a shooting session with a stretched goal.
This result not only enabled Egypt to continue to dream of the Afcon U20, but it also confirmed its return to the U20 World Cup in FIFA for the first time since 2011.
“The pressure of the qualification for the World Cup was enormous,” admitted Nabih.
“Now that the players have done, they have gained in psychological stability. This allows them to have peace of mind and focus on their football. ”
Nabih looked into the competitiveness of the tournament, noting that Egypt was initially grouped together with Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa before the draw was remained.
It is interesting to note that the four teams are found today in the semi-finals.
“It’s poetic in a way,” he said.
“All of these teams have fought to reach the end of difficult matches so far, which says a lot about their quality. It also shows the level of our preparation ”.
Egypt will face a Moroccan team who beat Sierra Leone 1-0 after extension during its quarter-final.
Morocco remains undefeated in the tournament and has one of the best defenses in the competition, with three games without incident in four games.
Kabaka: “We made a wish to the nation”
Midfielder Ahmed Khaled “Kabaka”, who played a central role in the Egyptian midfield during the group phase and the direct elimination phases, believes that the team’s determination has never been so strong.
“We have oath to ourselves and the nation to fight until the end,” he said. “Morocco is a difficult opponent, but we have shown great strength of character to arrive so far.
Kabaka believes that the qualification for the U-20 World Cup has given the team an additional boost as the approach of its biggest challenge.
“There is a real sense of objective in this team. The boys are determined to honor Egypt. The ticket for the World Cup has given us confidence and now we want to win the trophy.
North African derby under the spotlight
The shock at the June 30 stadium in Cairo promises to be a show. The two teams have rising stars and are led by national pride. It will also be a rehearsal of the qualification match at the end of 2024, which Morocco had won 2-1.
With the support of its audience and a revival of confidence in its ranks, Egypt will seek to reverse the steam and reach its first final of the Afcon U-20 since 2003.
