Egyptian Coach Confident Ahead of U-20 AFCON Clash Against South Africa

Egypt’s U-20 national team coach, Osama Nabih, has expressed confidence after his side was drawn against South Africa in the upcoming Youth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The draw has set up a series of intriguing clashes, with Egypt and South Africa now confirmed to meet at all major AFCON tournaments in 2025.

Egypt and South Africa Set for Multiple AFCON Battles

Earlier this year, it was announced that Bafana Bafana and the Pharaohs would go head-to-head at the senior AFCON tournament in Morocco at the end of 2025. Now, with the conclusion of the U-17 and U-20 AFCON draws, it has been confirmed that the two nations will also face off in both youth competitions.

The U-20 AFCON group stage presents a particularly tough challenge, with Egypt and South Africa placed alongside record tournament winners Nigeria and 1997 champions Morocco in what is widely regarded as the tournament’s “group of death.”

Nabih Confident in Egypt’s Young Talent

Despite the tough competition, Young Pharaohs head coach Osama Nabih remains optimistic about his squad’s chances. Speaking to Kooora, he outlined the team’s ambitions and readiness for the challenge.

“The Egyptian youth team is fully prepared for all scenarios and aims to qualify for the World Cup,” Nabih stated.

“We have a promising generation of players, and we will do our best to reach the furthest point.”

Egypt’s U-20 side last won the AFCON title in 2013 but has struggled to progress beyond the group stage in recent tournaments. This marks the first time since 2017 that they have successfully qualified for the competition, and expectations are high for the team to break their recent underwhelming run.

High Stakes for South Africa and Egypt

For South Africa’s U-20 team (Amajita), this tournament represents an opportunity to establish themselves as one of Africa’s elite youth teams. The presence of powerhouses like Nigeria and Morocco will make qualification for the U-20 FIFA World Cup a significant challenge.

Both South Africa and Egypt will need to be at their best to progress beyond the group stage, but with Nabih’s confidence and the Pharaohs’ ambitions of making a deep run, this clash is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.

The tournament will serve as a crucial test for these young players as they look to make their mark on the international stage and push for a place in their respective senior national teams in the future.