Egypt Under-23s begin Hamada Sidky era ahead of Japan friendly

Egypt’s Olympic team held its first training session under new head coach Hamada Sidky as preparations began for their friendly against Japan.

The two sides will meet on Tuesday, 17 November at 18:00.

Sidky has taken charge of Egypt Under-23s ahead of their involvement in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Under-23, which will serve as a qualifying tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Egypt will host the finals in November 2027.

The coaching staff includes Adel Mostafa as assistant coach, Ahmed Hassan as team director, Essam El Hadary as goalkeeping coach, Mohamed Ezz as assistant coach and Kamal Abdel Wahed as fitness coach.

Football Association technical director Shawky Gharib held a meeting with the players before the training session.

Egypt Under-23 squad

Goalkeepers: Abdel Moneim Tamer (ZED), Ahmed Wahb (Al Masry), Ahmed Manshawy (Al Ittihad Alexandria), Hazem Gamal (Pyramids).

Defenders: Ahmed Abdeen (Wadi Degla), Abdullah Bostengy (ZED), Sayed Osama (Zamalek), Mohamed Medhat (Kahraba Ismailia), Moataz Mohamed (Al Ittihad Alexandria), Mohamed Ibrahim (Zamalek), Marwan Heggy (ZED), Eyad Salah (Abu Qir Fertilizers), Mohab Sami (Al Qanah), Moamen Sherif (Al Ittihad Alexandria).

Midfielders: Ahmed Khaled “Kabaka” (Al Ahly), Tibo Gabriel (Mainz), Selim Taleb (Hertha Berlin), Ahmed Atef (Al Ittihad Alexandria), Ahmed Waheed (Tala’ea El Gaish), Moaz Abdel Salam (Ghazl El Mahalla), Omar Abdel Meguid (Greuther Furth), Mohamed Abdel Nasser (Arab Contractors), Mohamed Abdullah (Al Ahly), Mohamed Essam (ENPPI), Omar Moawad (Al Ahly), Omar Khedr (ZED), Ahmed Sherif (Al Masry).

Forwards: Mohamed Raafat (Al Ahly), Hamza Hassan (Wadi Degla).