Egypt U-20 coach seeks to oust strong Cameroon

Despite Cameroon's strength and determination, Egypt's youth team coach is eager to see his team progressing to the African Youth Championship final when they meet on Thursday

Ahead of his side's African Youth Championship semi-final against Cameroon on Thursday, Egypt U-20 national team coach Diaa El-Sayed is hoping his team's preparation will see them come out the strongest at the Dobsonville Stadium in Johannesburg.
“We are preparing for the game with all serenity. We are prepared as we have watched them play during this competition. I hope that we shall emerge the better side,” Diaa El-Sayed was quoted as saying in an interview with the confederation of African football (CAF) official website on Wednesday.
Egypt defeated the “Indomitable Lions” three times during their preparations for the tournament, but the Pharaohs' coach was full of praise of them ahead of the crucial game.
“The entire team is good. The coach is also a good technician,” he explained.
Cameroon's coach Martin Mpile Ndtoungou has promised the Egyptians a surprise in the semi-final, affirming that there is a difference between preparations and the competition proper.
“I think everything will be settled on the field and the best team will win. I wish to be the best on the field of play,” El-Sayed commented amid the determination of their opponents.
Also on Thursday, Mali will take on Nigeria in the other semi-final and Egypt's coach is not interested in thinking of who will be his next opponent more than winning the title.
“Mali and Nigeria have shown they are teams that have quality and they did not reach the semi-finals by luck. I think it will be a great game,” he said.
“We can play any opponent. Our objective at the moment is to win the title.”
The hosts South Africa's sudden disqualification from the tournament at the group stage was also a matter for discussion.
“I think Cameroon and Egypt are very good teams. Unfortunately they are meeting in the semi-finals. I also have a lot of respect for Mali and Nigeria. Only South Africa was eliminated in the first round but I think they also lacked enough preparation,” he explained.
Egypt's team ensured their qualification for the World Cup in Colombia next year after finishing second in their group.
“Everyone in our country is happy. It has been long since the team last qualified for the World Championships. Also, following our preparation, people did not see us going far. I think they are also waiting for the trophy and that is why we need to first beat Cameroon,” he concluded.