Abu Rida's Pep Talk Sparks Egyptian Hope Ahead of the Arab Cup

Lead-up to the Arab Cup

Hany Abu Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Association, held a lengthy meeting with the Egypt national team ahead of the Arab Cup opener in Qatar, as the campaign starts this Monday.

Team prep and squad updates

Egypt will kick off their campaign by facing Kuwait in the first match of Group Three, then UAE in the second and Jordan in the final round.

Abu Rida spoke to the players about giving their all to deliver the best results, stressing the importance of the Arab Cup.

The Egypt squad trained on Saturday with great enthusiasm, just hours before the tournament kicks off.

Four Al Ahly players — Mohamed Magdy Afsha, Mohamed Sherif, Karim Fouad, and Yassin Merai — arrived at the team base and did recovery work after playing the Royal Army of Morocco in the CAF Champions League.

Egypt also called up Marwan Hamdi of Pyramids FC, after his club agreed to release him for the Pharaohs' campaign.

Egypt had requested postponement of two Pyramids games in the league, but the clubs' association refused due to the tight schedule.

Ahmed Hassan, the team manager, said they are excited to participate in the Arab Cup and that the squad is eager to compete for the title.

He added that the group features experienced players and urged focus and maximum effort to secure a hard-won victory today.

He noted the team was built in about three months, yet has posted positive results in preparations. He also said Egypt's group includes strong sides like Jordan, who qualified for the World Cup, alongside the UAE and Kuwait.

Punchline: If they win, the trophy will need a bigger shelf.