Hani Abou Rida, President of the Egyptian Football Federation, stepped in to boost morale after Egypt’s U-20 team suffered a painful 4-1 defeat to Sierra Leone in the ongoing African Cup of Nations on home soil.
Meeting with the players at their training base, Abou Rida encouraged them to stay strong and focused, praising their spirit and reminding them of past comebacks in Egyptian football history. His message was clear: don’t let the loss define you—learn, regroup, and bounce back stronger.
Egypt currently sits second in Group A with three points, just above South Africa and behind leaders Sierra Leone, who have four. Zambia, Egypt’s next opponent, holds one point, while Tanzania trails with none. The Pharaohs face Zambia tomorrow at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia.
Coach Osama Nabih thanked Abou Rida for standing by the team, highlighting the unity in the camp. Team captain Ahmed Khaled Kabaka echoed the sentiments, pledging that the players would fight to make fans proud and push Egypt forward in the tournament.
