Strong ambitions set ahead of Benghazi tournament
Egypt’s youth national team, composed of players born in 2009, is aiming to win the North African Championship and secure qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, according to head coach Hussein Abdel Latif.
Speaking after the conclusion of the team’s preparatory training camp, Abdel Latif outlined clear objectives for the upcoming tournament, which will be held in the Libyan city of Benghazi. The competition also serves as a qualifying pathway to the continental finals, raising the stakes for participating teams.
“The goal of the team and the technical staff is to win the title and qualify for the Cup of Nations,” Abdel Latif said, underlining the ambition within the squad ahead of their departure.
Careful preparation and squad selection
The coach emphasised that the recent training period had been focused on identifying and refining the best available talent to represent Egypt on the regional stage.
According to Abdel Latif, the technical staff conducted an extensive evaluation process, which included a series of friendly matches designed to test players in competitive conditions. This approach, he noted, helped ensure that only the most capable individuals were selected for the final squad.
He expressed confidence in the group chosen, stating that the players had demonstrated the necessary quality and commitment to meet the team’s objectives.
Abdel Latif suggested that this careful preparation would be key as the team faces strong opposition in the tournament, particularly given the high level of competition typically seen in North African football.
Backing from the football association
The coach also used the opportunity to acknowledge the support received from the Egyptian Football Association during the preparation phase.
He thanked the association’s leadership, including president Hani Abu Rida, as well as Secretary-General Mustafa Azzam and national team supervisor Walid Darwish, for their role in ensuring the camp ran smoothly.
Abdel Latif highlighted that administrative and logistical backing had been crucial in allowing the technical staff to focus entirely on preparing the players for the upcoming challenge.
Focus shifts to opening fixture
The Egyptian squad is scheduled to travel to Benghazi in the early hours of Saturday, marking the final step in their preparations before the tournament begins.
Their campaign will open with a match against Tunisia on 27 March, a fixture that could set the tone for the rest of their participation.
With qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations at stake, expectations are high for Egypt’s young side to deliver a strong performance. Abdel Latif’s comments suggest a team not only prepared for the challenge ahead but also determined to leave the tournament with silverware and a place on the continental stage.
High hopes for Egypt’s next generation
As Egypt’s youth team heads into the North African Championship, the focus remains firmly on achieving both immediate and long-term goals. With a carefully selected squad, thorough preparation, and strong institutional support, Abdel Latif believes his side has the foundation required to succeed.
The coming days in Benghazi will ultimately determine whether this promising generation can translate ambition into achievement on the pitch.
