Johar Nabil backs Egypt ahead of Angola Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Johar Nabil, Minister of Youth and Sports, visited Egypt’s training session to offer his support to the national team before Friday’s meeting with Angola.

Egypt will face Angola at Cairo Stadium in the opening match of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Before training began, Nabil spoke to the players and conveyed the greetings of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, according to a statement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

He stressed the political leadership’s interest in Egyptian sport and its continued backing for the national teams, particularly the Egypt football side.

Nabil said the improvement in the team’s performances had become clear in recent months, both in their displays and in their team spirit.

“I was worried before your participation in the World Cup, but you achieved a major accomplishment, presented a creditable image of Egyptian football and gave the Egyptian people hope,” Nabil told the players.

“As a sportsman, I saw in you the spirit of one player. I want to stress that team spirit is the foundation: every player has a role in achieving success.

“What the national team produced during its participation in the World Cup, especially in the match against Argentina, attracted attention and praise from the entire world.

“The world spoke about you after your match against Argentina. That confirms Egypt have the ability to face the top sides, compete and achieve notable results.”

Nabil also highlighted the importance of football to supporters across the country.

“Football is not simply a sport for Egyptians; it is part of the nation’s mood. We expect you to make our fans happy and achieve results that will delight all Egyptians,” he said.

He added that national spirit and a sense of belonging were among the key motivations behind major achievements.

“The results we have seen recently confirmed that we have a team with the spirit and ability to compete,” he said.

Nabil ended his address by expressing confidence in the players, the coaching staff and the Egyptian Football Association.

“We trust you, and we trust the coaching staff and the association. We hope this will be a strong start to your Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

“Good luck to you. The whole country is behind you, and we hope you will make the Egyptian people happy and fulfil the ambitions of the supporters.”

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah also addressed his team-mates.

“I always tell the players that you must be proud of yourselves, and that the Egyptian people are proud of you. You must give everything to reach your best,” he said.

After Friday’s match against Angola, Egypt will play South Sudan in the second round on Tuesday.

They will then face South Africa in a friendly on 4 October.