Egypt's clinical youth give Bradley food for thought after African triumph

Egypt's senior team coach Bob Bradley could rely on some members of the exciting youth team after they won the U-20 African Championship on Saturday

Egypt's youth might have lacked the spark of the experienced seniors but they still proved far too efficient to win the U-20 African Championship in superb fashion and give national team coach Bob Bradley food for thought.
A standout player can be hardly picked in Egypt's winning squad, with no prominent Mohamed Abou-Treikas or Mohamed Salahs, but a compact side have worked hard enough to reach the pinnacle of African glory and possibly set the tone for a bright future.
Egypt defeated heavyweights Ghana 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw on Saturday to clinch the title with a 100 percent record, having brushed aside all their opponents, conceding just two goals in the process.
In doing so, coach Rabie Yassine sacrificed an attractive brand of football for a more pragmatic approach, with Egypt often dangerous in set pieces and crosses more than defence-splitting passes or individual efforts.
Five out of the seven goals Egypt scored came through dead-ball situations or headers from crosses, highlighting an efficiency that helped the team win two matches in which they were not really superior.
Egypt clinched a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Ghana in the tournament's opener after being outplayed for much of the game and salvaged a 1-1 draw against the same opposition after surviving several scares in the finale.
They were greatly helped by a steadfast defence marshalled by Ahly's promising defender Rami Rabeia and a compact midfield led by Saleh Gomaa, an architect of most of Egypt's build-up play.
Attacking midfielder Mahmoud Kahraba has also provided a much-needed killer instinct, scoring three goals to finish as the tournament's top scorer.
Goalkeeper Mosaad Awad pulled off a string of impressive saves to keep a clean sheet in three matches and was instrumental in the decisive penalty shootout after blocking Ghana's third spot-kick.
"We have a big team. The tactical aspects and high fitness levels were crucial in helping us claim that win," Yassine said in a television interview after Egypt won their fourth African Championship title.
"See for example how my team played against Ghana (in the final) although our opponents had the better possession. Look at how we defended when we lost the ball."
Egypt future
Egypt's senior team boss Bradley, who is tasked with ending the Pharaohs' 24-year wait for a World Cup appearance, may take heart from a clinical display by the juniors.
His star-studded squad includes several players who can make the difference with some precise passes and bursting runs but they are often haunted by a lack of cutting edge that was evident in the recent 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Zimbabwe in Alexandria.
He might instil much-needed efficiency into an otherwise powerful side through introducing some fresh faces in the coming period.
"Some of those players will definitely benefit the first team. They will have a big influence because they will lead to a very healthy competition," Egypt's goalkeeping coach Zaki Abdel-Fattah, quoting Bradley, told local press.
"I'm proud of the players, who lived up to expectations. That's why I've given chances to some of them recently to play in the first team."
The juniors will have a perfect opportunity to gain more experience when they take part in the upcoming World Cup in Turkey, where they will play in Group E along with England, Chile and Iraq.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports)