Egypt set sights on Gulf Cup title, says youth coach Hussein Abdel Latif

Egypt’s youth national team will be aiming to win the Gulf Cup, manager Hussein Abdel Latif says, as they prepare to begin their campaign against Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

The Young Pharaohs are in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen and Iraq, with the tournament being held in Doha, Qatar, from 17 October to 5 November.

“Having Egypt among our Arab brothers gives us the opportunity to play strong competition at a very important time, before taking part in the World Cup,” Abdel Latif said at a news conference.

The coach believes the tournament will provide valuable preparation for his squad ahead of their next major challenge.

“The Gulf Cup is a good opportunity for the players to become accustomed to the atmosphere of competitive matches and the conditions surrounding them before the youth World Cup,” he added.

Abdel Latif said Egypt would not be entering the competition simply for experience, with the team focused on challenging for the trophy.

“The Egypt youth national team is targeting the title, especially because this generation includes a distinguished group of players who were selected carefully,” he said.

He also revealed that the current squad had been developed over an extended period.

“It took nearly a year to build the team and reach the current core group,” Abdel Latif said.