Shawky Gharib discusses Africa Cup of Nations preparations with Wael Reyad

Shawky Gharib, the Egyptian Football Association’s technical director, has met Wael Reyad, head coach of Egypt’s 2007-born youth team, to discuss preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The meeting covered the team’s programme ahead of the youth tournament, which will be held in Ghana in February and March next year.

Egypt secured their place in the finals after winning the North Africa Championship qualifier in Ismailia.

The team defeated Libya, Algeria and Tunisia during the qualifying competition, while their only defeat came against Morocco. Egypt finished top of the standings with nine points.

The Egyptian Football Association’s media centre said Gharib outlined the preparations during the meeting.

Gharib said the association, led by Hany Abu Rida, would provide all the resources required to prepare the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations and give it the best possible chance of qualifying for the World Cup.

The top four teams at the tournament will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, with 24 teams from six continental confederations taking part.