Egypt coach fears Barcelona striker Hamza Abdel Karim will miss U20 AFCON

Egypt could be without promising Barcelona striker Hamza Abdel Karim at the 2027 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, with youth coach Ahmed Raouf admitting that the forward’s participation appears unlikely.

The tournament is scheduled for February 2027, but the timing could create a challenge for Egypt as clubs continue their domestic campaigns.

Raouf remains hopeful, however, that Abdel Karim will be available for the Under-20 World Cup, giving the Pharaohs another opportunity to benefit from the teenager’s development in Spain.

Barcelona commitment could complicate Egypt plans

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona are not expected to release Abdel Karim for the continental competition, while the player himself is reportedly keen to maintain his progress with the club’s first team.

There has been no official confirmation from Barcelona regarding his availability, and the precise reasons behind the expected absence remain unclear.

Speaking on the Hana Cairo programme on On Sport, in comments reported by FilGoal, Raouf acknowledged the difficulty of securing the striker’s services for the tournament in Ghana.

“Hamza Abdel Karim is unlikely to participate in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, but we aspire to use him in the Youth World Cup”.

The coach’s comments suggest that Egypt may have to prepare for the continental competition without one of their young attacking prospects, although his availability for future international assignments remains a possibility.

Ghana 2027 presents an early test for Egypt

The U-20 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Ghana in February 2027, with the tournament offering Africa’s emerging footballers a platform to compete for continental honours and strengthen their prospects of reaching the global stage.

The timing of the competition, which overlaps with club football, could make it difficult for national teams to secure the release of players developing at major European clubs.

For Egypt, Abdel Karim’s potential absence would be a selection concern as Raouf works to assemble a squad capable of challenging for the title.

The situation also highlights the balancing act facing young African players who are progressing through European club systems while remaining important prospects for their national teams.

Egypt keep Youth World Cup hopes alive

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations, Raouf has not abandoned the prospect of working with Abdel Karim at the Under-20 World Cup.

The coach hopes to call on the Barcelona forward for the global tournament, although his participation will depend on his circumstances at club level and the arrangements for his release.

For now, Egypt must continue planning for Ghana 2027 without certainty over the striker’s availability.

Abdel Karim’s situation remains unresolved, with no official announcement from Barcelona confirming whether he will miss the African competition. Egypt’s immediate focus will be on preparing for the tournament while keeping open the possibility of welcoming the forward back for the Youth World Cup.