Watch the moment the Egyptian junior national team won the North African Championship Cup
The Egyptian junior national team, born in 2008, won the North African Championship Cup. This victory qualified them for the African Nations U17 tournament, scheduled for 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire. They secured a spot by defeating the Libyan national team 7-1 in the final qualifier held in Morocco.
This is the first time since 2011 that the Egyptian juniors have qualified for the African Cup of Nations. They had not participated in the tournament for 14 years, with their last appearance ending in the group stage in 2011.
In the final match against Libya, Hamza Abdel Karim scored two goals, Mohammad Hamad netted two goals, and Bilal Attia contributed three goals to the team’s total. The starting lineup for the match included Omar Abdel Aziz, Hamza Al-Dajwi, Noor Ashraf, Adam Farid, Adam Mohammed, Mohammed Al-Bandari, Omar Al-Adawi, Karim Juma, Mohammed Hamad, Anas Rushdi as goalkeeper, and Hamza Abdel Karim.
What are the goals of the Egyptian Junior National Team under Coach Ahmed El Kass for the upcoming African Nations U17 tournament?
Interview with Ahmed El Kass, Head Coach of the Egyptian Junior National Team
Interviewer: Congratulations, Coach El Kass, on the Egyptian junior national team’s remarkable victory at the North African Championship Cup! What does this win mean for you and the team?
Ahmed El Kass: Thank you! This victory is a tremendous achievement for us. It signifies the hard work, dedication, and talent of our young players. Qualifying for the African Nations U17 tournament after 14 years is a testament to our development program and the growth of youth football in Egypt.
Interviewer: You secured your qualification with an impressive 7-1 victory against Libya. What were the key factors that contributed to such a dominant performance?
Ahmed El Kass: Our players showcased exceptional teamwork and commitment throughout the match. We planned meticulously, focusing on our strengths and exploiting the weaknesses in the Libyan defense. The players executed our game plan perfectly, with contributions from multiple players, highlighting our collective effort.
Interviewer: Individual performances were notable, with players like Hamza Abdel Karim and Bilal Attia standing out. Can you elaborate on their roles in the victory?
Ahmed El Kass: Absolutely! Hamza and Bilal were phenomenal. Hamza’s versatility allowed him to create and finish chances efficiently, scoring two crucial goals. Bilal’s hat trick demonstrated his poaching ability and sharp instincts in front of goal. However, it’s important to note that this was a team effort; every player contributed significantly to this victory.
Interviewer: This is the first qualification for the African Cup of Nations since 2011. How does this impact the future of Egyptian junior football?
Ahmed El Kass: This qualification is monumental. It not only boosts the morale of our current players but also inspires future generations. It shows that with the right training, hard work, and commitment, we can compete on a continental level. We aim to continue building on this success to establish a long-term competitive presence in African junior football.
Interviewer: Moving forward, what are your expectations for the African Nations U17 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire in 2025?
Ahmed El Kass: Our primary goal is to prepare the players for the challenge ahead. We want to focus on refining their skills and enhancing their tactical understanding of the game. Competing at this level will be invaluable for their development, and we hope to advance past the group stages this time and make a mark in the tournament.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Coach El Kass. Any final thoughts as you embark on this journey with your team?
Ahmed El Kass: I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved—players, technical staff, and support teams. Together, we’ll strive for excellence and aim to make our country proud. The journey is just beginning, and I believe great things lie ahead for these talented young athletes.
The technical staff for the Egyptian junior team includes Ahmed El Kass as the head coach and various assistant roles filled by team director Walid Mahdi, general coach Mohamed Ibrahim, and several specialized support staff.
The junior national team will join Morocco in the finals of the African Nations tournament.