Nabih rallies Young Pharaohs for Ghana clash: 'We're playing for the pride of Egypt'

CAF

11-05-2025

Published: Sunday, 11 May 2025
Under mounting pressure and fatigue, Egypt U20 coach Osama Nabih has rallied his Young Pharaohs ahead of Monday's high-stakes quarter-final against Ghana at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, declaring that team spirit and national pride will carry them through.
Speaking at a tense pre-match press conference, Nabih acknowledged the tough road his squad has travelled so far, playing four matches in the group stage and navigating through a series of injuries and fatigue.
Yet despite the setbacks, his message was clear: Egypt will not go down without a fight.
'We are going through difficult circumstances due to injuries and fatigue,' Nabih admitted. 'But we are armed with a fighting spirit and are determined to make the fans happy.'
Egypt only narrowly secured their place in the quarter-finals, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
But for Nabih, that struggle has forged the unity and resolve needed for what he called a "dual dream": qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup and challenging for the continental crown.
'Advancing through the group stage was a significant psychological burden,' the coach added.
'Now the optimism in our camp is high. The boys know what's at stake. This match is a final to us.'
Egypt face a Ghanaian side that topped Group C without conceding a goal.
The Black Satellites, fresh off a 1-0 win over defending champions Senegal and a composed victory over Central African Republic, enter the match with confidence and fresher legs—having played just three group games and enjoyed an extra day's rest.
Nabih, however, refused to make excuses.
'Yes, Ghana are strong. Yes, they've had more rest. But we are Egypt. My players are fully aware of the challenge and are ready to defend our dream,' he declared. 'We ask the fans to stand behind us in this national mission.'
Captain Ahmed Khaled "Kabaka" echoed his coach's determination, calling Monday's clash a 'life-or-death' moment.
'We all consider the Ghana match as make or break,' Kabaka said. 'Everyone knows how tough this game will be, but we are counting on our strength of character. We want to put a smile on the faces of Egyptians.'
Egypt's preparation continued with a final session in Ismailia before the squad travelled to Suez on Sunday morning.
The atmosphere, according to team insiders, is one of controlled intensity—a squad battered but not broken, aware of the odds yet buoyed by the opportunity.
Kick-off is at 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) at the New Suez Stadium. For Egypt, it's not just a quarter-final. It's a moment of reckoning, a chance to turn adversity into triumph in front of their home fans.