Egypt’s national youth team, composed of players born in 2009, has intensified its preparations for the upcoming North African Championship, a qualifying competition for the Africa Cup of Nations at youth level.
The tournament, scheduled to run from 27 March to 5 April in Libya, will see several of the region’s emerging sides compete for a place in the continental finals. For Egypt, the competition represents a crucial opportunity to secure qualification and test the next generation of talent on an international stage.
Strong Competition Within the Squad
According to details released by the Egyptian Football Association, preparations have included an internal training match that highlighted the level of competition among players.
The scrimmage reportedly featured intense performances, as individuals sought to impress the coaching staff and secure a place in the starting line-up ahead of the tournament. The competitive atmosphere within the squad reflects the importance attached to the championship, both in terms of results and player development.
Opening Test Against Tunisia
Egypt are set to begin their campaign with a challenging fixture against Tunisia on 27 March. The opening match is expected to provide an early indication of the team’s readiness, as well as its ability to cope with tournament pressure.
Following the encounter with Tunisia, Egypt will face Morocco on 30 March, before taking on hosts Libya on 2 April. The team will conclude its group-stage fixtures with a match against Algeria on 5 April.
Qualification at Stake
The North African Championship serves as a pathway to the Africa Cup of Nations, with the top three teams securing qualification for the continental tournament scheduled for April. While the host nation for that competition has yet to be officially confirmed, reports suggest Morocco is a leading candidate.
For Egypt’s youth side, the stakes are therefore significant, with progression offering both competitive exposure and a chance to measure themselves against the continent’s best at the next level.
Coaching Structure and Development Focus
The team is led by head coach Hussein Abdel Latif, supported by assistant coach Abdel Sattar Sabri and goalkeeping coach Amir Abdel Hamid.
The coaching staff has focused on building cohesion and sharpening tactical awareness during the preparation phase, while also encouraging healthy competition within the squad.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament approaches, Egypt’s youth team appears to be entering a decisive phase of its preparations. The internal competition observed during training suggests a squad eager to prove itself, both individually and collectively.
With qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations on the line, the upcoming matches in Libya will provide a clear measure of the team’s progress. For these young players, the North African Championship represents not only a competitive challenge but also an important step in their footballing development.
