Wael Riyad celebrates Egypt’s North Africa title and calls for fans to return

Wael Riyad, head coach of Egypt’s 2007-born youth team, praised his players and staff after their 2-0 victory over Algeria secured the North Africa Under-20 Championship and qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Egypt finished top of the tournament with nine points, two ahead of runners-up Morocco, who also qualified for the youth Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria ended third on four points, ahead of Libya on goal difference, while Tunisia finished bottom with three points.

Speaking to On Sport after the final match, Riyad said: “I congratulate the players and the assistant coaching staff. We worked hard throughout the tournament.”

He added: “I played in four African finals, against Libya, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria. These were not qualifiers, but finals.”

Egypt began the competition with a 2-0 win against Libya, followed that with a 2-1 victory over Tunisia, then lost 2-0 to Morocco before defeating Algeria by the same score in the final round.

“Our main objective was to qualify, and God rewarded us by winning the title,” Riyad said.

The tournament was staged in Egypt’s Ismailia, with matches played at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium and Ismailia Stadium.

The success gave Egypt their fourth North Africa title, following previous triumphs in 2006, 2008 and 2012. It also marked their first competition victory of Riyad’s coaching career.

Egypt will now appear at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana for a third consecutive edition and the 20th time overall.

Riyad also urged supporters to return to stadiums to encourage the national teams.

“I hope they return to the stadiums to support the national teams,” he said. “The senior national team created a major impression at the World Cup, so the fans must support the youth team and fill the stadiums. The crowd can intimidate opponents.”

Egypt had finished third at the 2023 edition of the North Africa tournament and were runners-up in 2024 before claiming the title this time.