Genidy reveals reasons behind qualifiers’ setback

CAIRO – 5 July 2018: Egypt reached the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers’ second round after a decisive victory over Arab rivals, Morocco, on Monday night at Cairo Stadium Indoor Halls Complex.

The team achieved their target but they were criticized after losing the first two games against DR Congo and Angola.

“We could not afford friendly games before the qualifiers and it really affected our performance especially that we were under pressure as it has been a long time since we played in front of a big crowd,” Egypt national team's captain, Ramy Genidy, said on Wednesday.

Egypt, led by Amr Abol Khir, achieved three victories from six games to secure the third position in Group C behind Angola and Morocco.

Genidy added “We are awaiting tough clashes at the qualifiers’ second round and we ask the federation to arrange friendly games against big European teams to be well-prepared and achieve our dream to reach the World Cup.”

The top three teams from Group C, Egypt, Angola and Morocco, will play alongside the top three teams from Group A, Tunisia, Cameroon and Chad in the first group of the second round.

On the other hand, Nigeria, Senegal, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Ivory Coast and Mali will play at Group B.

The top two teams from each group will win direct qualification to the World Cup, while the third placed teams will play against each other at a play-off game to decide a fifth African side to reach the World Cup.

The second round games are set to start on September 14.

Egypt participated six times at the World Cup and their best result was in the 1950 World Cup when they finished fifth.