Egypt Under-17s complete preparations for Saudi Arabia Gulf Cup opener

Egypt’s Under-17s have completed their preparations for their opening match against Saudi Arabia at the Gulf Cup in Qatar.

The tournament, which is being staged in Qatar, runs from 17 October this year until 5 November next.

Egypt have been drawn in Group B alongside Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq and Kuwait. Their first match will take place on Saturday at 5:45pm at Hamad Al-Kabir Stadium.

Head coach Hussein Abdel Latif used the final training session, held at Qatar University Stadium, to work on several areas of the team’s play.

The squad practised improving the accuracy of their finishing, moving quickly from defence into attack and varying their set-piece routines from different areas of the pitch. The coaching staff also addressed a number of defensive and attacking situations involving the players.

Egypt’s participation in the Gulf Cup comes as part of their final preparations for next month’s Under-17 World Cup, which will also be held in Qatar.

At the World Cup, Egypt will play in Group A alongside Qatar, Panama and Greece.

The 2009-born Egypt side secured their place at the tournament after finishing third at the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.