Gharib targets finishing top of the group

CAIRO – 14 November 2019: Egypt U-23 national team hosts Cameroon at the last group stage game during 2019 Africa Cup of Nations U-23, taking place in Egypt between 8 and 22 November.

Egypt secured a semi-final spot as they defeated Mali and Ghana respectively to gain six points after a strong start at the competition.

“Our main goal is to finish top of the group. I did not decide whether I will rest the starting team or not.” Egypt manager, Shawki Gharib, said ahead of the game.

Cameroon comes second at the group with 4 points after a draw with Ghana and a victory over Mali and The Lions need one point to secure qualification to the second round.

Gharib added “We want to finish top to continue playing our games at Cairo Stadium. I want to thank the fans who supported the team at the first two games and we will do everything to make them happy.”

Egypt football appeared at the Olympic Games 11 times before. Their best achievement was taking the fourth place in 1928 in Amsterdam and 1964 in Tokyo.

Egypt’s last participation at the tournament was in 2012 in London and the national team was eliminated from the competitions at the quarter finals after losing to Japan.