Elneny and El-Solia Lead Egypt's Arab Cup Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth

Goalkeepers

Ali Lotfi, Mohamed Awad, and Mohamed Bassam are the chosen goalkeepers. Lotfi has shown steadiness with ZED in recent seasons; Awad brings long-standing experience with Zamalek; Bassam offers calm and quick reflexes with Ceramica Cleopatra, giving the squad a versatile trio.

Defenders

The defense blends physicality and pace, including Hady Riyad, Mahmoud Hamdi Al-Wenesh, Yassin Mer'i, Ragab Nabil, Ahmed Hani, Karim Eraki, Yahya Zakaria, and Karim Fouad. Wenesh returns as the backline’s captain; Hady Riyad delivers solid defending, while Yassin Mer'i and Ragab Nabil will look to prove themselves at the international level. On the wings, Ahmed Hani and Karim Eraki provide both defensive solidity and attacking support, with Yahya Zakaria and Karim Fouad offering additional options on the left flank.

Midfield

The midfield is the team’s strength, anchored by Mohamed Elneny, Arsenal’s veteran, and Amr El-Solia, a steady presence with Ceramica Cleopatra who brings experience from the domestic league. Akram Tawfik, Ghnam Mohamed, Mohamed Magdi “Afsha”, Islam Eissa, Mustafa Shalaby, Mustafa Saad “Messi”, and Mido Gaber offer balance between defensive duties, playmaking, and creative spontaneity. The unit provides versatility, with Islam Eissa and Mustafa Shalaby likely to inject speed on the flanks and Mustafa Saad’s dribbling could surprise defenses.

Gnam Mohamed and Akram Tawfiq are expected to contribute as defensive protectors in midfield, adding physicality and ball-winning presence to support the attack.

Attack

Up front, the squad includes Mohamed Sherif, Hussam Hassan, and Ahmed Atef. Sherif is known for intelligent movement behind the defense and a sharp goal sense, Hassan embodies the traditional striker capable of exploiting crosses, and Atef brings mobility and ability to operate between lines and beyond the box. Toulan hopes this mix of experience and youth will help the team press for goals throughout the Arab Cup.

The coach also notes that the team is competing with a reserve squad due to club commitments abroad, with stars like Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Mostafa Mohamed unavailable for this tournament. The Pharaohs recently lost 2-0 to Uzbekistan in a recent friendly but prevailed against Cape Verde on penalties, signaling potential ahead of the Arab Cup.

Roster core: Goalkeepers: Ali Lotfi, Mohamed Awad, Mohamed Bassam. Defence: Hady Riyad, Mahmoud Hamdi Al-Wenesh, Yassin Mer'i, Ragab Nabil, Ahmed Hani, Karim Eraki, Yahya Zakaria, Karim Fouad. Midfield: Mohamed Elneny, Amr El-Solia, Akram Tawfik, Ghnam Mohamed, Mohamed Magdi “Afsha,” Islam Eissa, Mustafa Shalaby, Mustafa Saad “Messi,” Mido Gaber. Attack: Mohamed Sherif, Hussam Hassan, Ahmed Atef. The squad represents a deliberate blend of experience and youth aimed at a deep Arab Cup run.

Punchline 1: If this squad were a sniper shot, it would be a headshot—calculated, precise, and surprisingly stylish. Punchline 2: And if they miss, it’s not the players’ fault; blame the post-match press conference for stealing the punchlines and the spotlight.