Egypt Under-20s step up preparations for North Africa qualifiers

Egypt’s Under-20 national team are continuing their training camp in Ismailia as they prepare to compete in the North Africa qualifiers for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The tournament is being hosted by Egypt, with the hosts beginning their campaign against Libya next Thursday.

Wael Riyad’s squad trained at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, where the session featured a high level of focus and competition among the players as they look to secure a positive start to the tournament.

The coaching staff have also increased the number of technical and psychological meetings as they prepare the players for the opening match and the demands of the qualifying competition.

Riyad has underlined the significance of Egypt’s first fixture against Libya, describing it as an important match for his team. He also stressed that every game in the tournament would carry the same importance and should be approached as a separate challenge.

The Egypt Under-20 manager told his players that competing on home soil, in front of Egyptian supporters, would provide additional motivation as they attempt to progress through the qualifiers and reach the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Riyad also praised the backing given to the team by the Egyptian Football Association board and the association’s technical department.

That support, he said, would be important as Egypt pursue their objective of qualifying for the continental tournament.