Mohamed Abdel Moneim has spoken of his gratitude and determination after making his return to the Egypt national football team following a year-long absence, as the side secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia national football team in a friendly match.
The fixture, held at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, formed part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Egypt delivered a dominant display, with the result underlining their readiness as they continue to build momentum ahead of upcoming challenges.
Return after injury
Abdel Moneim’s appearance marked a significant milestone, as the defender returned to international action after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury that had kept him out for an extended period. He entered the match in the 87th minute, replacing Hamdi Fathi, making his first contribution to the national side in a year.
Following the match, the defender expressed appreciation for the support he received during his recovery and highlighted the importance of preparation in securing the victory. He pointed to the team’s detailed study of their opponents and the effective execution of tactical instructions as key factors behind the result.
Early control sets the tone
Abdel Moneim also emphasised the significance of Egypt’s early dominance, noting that capitalising on opportunities in the first half allowed the team to take control of the game. This advantage enabled the players to approach the second half with greater confidence and composure.
He praised the collective effort of the squad, stressing that the performance reflected strong teamwork and discipline across all areas of the pitch.
Focus turns to spain test
Looking ahead, Abdel Moneim acknowledged the challenge of Egypt’s upcoming friendly against Spain national football team, describing it as a demanding encounter. He confirmed that preparations for the match would begin immediately, with the aim of delivering another strong performance for supporters.
The Egyptian squad is expected to travel to Spain for the fixture, scheduled for next Tuesday, as part of their continued build-up to the World Cup.
Message of support for Saudi Arabia
In addition to reflecting on Egypt’s performance, Abdel Moneim extended his support to the Saudi team. He praised their abilities and highlighted the strength of their domestic league, expressing confidence in their potential ahead of the World Cup.
He described the Saudi players as “brothers” both on and off the field, wishing them success and a strong showing in the tournament. He also noted that Egypt closely follows Saudi Arabia’s results, adding that their victories bring joy due to the strong ties between the two nations.
Balanced perspective on performance
Abdel Moneim also addressed the broader context of team performances, suggesting that fluctuations in form are a natural part of football, even for top-level sides. He pointed out that dips in performance can occur when teams are not at their best technically, while also highlighting Egypt’s strong displays in previous competitions, including the 2022 World Cup.
As Egypt continue their preparations, Abdel Moneim’s return adds depth to the squad, with the defender aiming to build on this comeback and contribute to the team’s ambitions on the international stage.
