CAIRO - Egypt's Olympic coaching staff are putting the final touches to their preparations for the U-23 national team who will be competing in the U-23 African Cup of Nations that runs from November 26 to December 10 in Morocco. The tournament, the first edition of the U-23 ACN, serves as the qualifying championship for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Hani Ramzi, the technical coach of the Egyptian Olympic team, is optimistic about the country's draw. The Pharaohs have been drawn against Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa and Gabon in Group A in the Olympic Games qualifiers. "The team are ready now for Morocco," Ramzi said, prior to travelling to Rabat. The Egyptian Olympic team arrived in Morocco last Friday, one week ahead of the official opening of the championship. “We are ready for this tough, crucial tournament. We know how difficult it is, but it will be a great contest,” said Ramzi, describing the championship as an important challenge. He added that he has confidence in the players putting on a good show during the ACN games, as they understand well the thinking and tactics of the coaching staff. "We have nearly settled the names for the squad; the recent friendly matches have let us see most of the players in action," he explained, adding that he believes his players can achieve their dream of qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics after a long absence. The Pharaohs, who have not qualified for the Olympics since 1992, are aiming to put on a strong performance that will help them snatch the title and send them all the way to the British capital. As for travelling early to Morocco, Ramzi has stressed that the idea is to allow the players to enter into the atmosphere of the tournament early on. "We want the players to get to know each other better, as well as to imbibe the ambience of the tournament early on," he explained. "The draw is a balanced one for us," Ramzi said, pointing out that the coaching staff are carefully studying the other three teams. “It's clear that all the teams in the tournament are of a similar standard," stressed the ex-international defender. "Algeria and Morocco are tough sides, but nor can we underestimate teams like Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire and South Africa. “We are bound to meet either Algeria or Morocco in the next rounds, but we've got no problem with that," continued Ramzi, who played in five consecutive African Cups of Nations in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002. "Although all the teams are strong, I am optimistic about the Pharaohs' chances," stressed Ramzi, nominated as one of the best players in the last 50 years in Africa. The first two teams of each group will qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament, while the two finalists automatically go through to the London Olympics, along with the winner of the third-place playoff. "The North and West African teams are all good and we must prepare well for them," Ramzi commented, denying that it will be a cakewalk, as they all play great soccer. The Pharaohs will kick off against Gabon on November 26, before meeting Côte d'Ivoire on November 29 and then South Africa on December 2. "I hope all the Egyptian people are praying for us to do it," added Ramzi, pointing out that his main aim is not only to qualify for the Olympics but also to grab the African title. "We aim firstly to win the first African championship then book our ticket to the Olympics.” The veteran tactician acknowledged that the opening match against Gabon will be the most difficult meeting. "Opening games are always difficult anyway," added Ramzi, explaining that the eight countries that have qualified are Africa's best. In Group B, Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria and Senegal have been drawn together. Tareq el-Said, the general coach of the Olympic team, said that the staff were happy with the team's friendly against Senegal last week. "We are satisfied with the level of the fitness of the players before the start of the tournament. We have tried many players in sundry positions and used different tactics," added the ex-Zamalek and Ahly star. Egypt's U-23 Olympic team played out a goalless draw against their Senegalese counterparts in Cairo last Monday. It was the second draw in as many matches between the young Pharaohs and the Senegalese, after a 1-1 draw in another friendly between them, also in the Egyptian capital, a week earlier. According to some sources, Ramzi will use the 4-2-3-1 formation, that seems to suit the young Pharaohs. “The players are very focused; they are all too aware that they must win all their games and get to the final to be sure of making it to London and making the fans happy.” Egypt was due to host the Olympic Games qualifiers, but their coinciding with the People's Assembly elections here meant that the country had to apologise. The spokesman of the Egyptian Football Federation (EFA), Azmi Megahed, explained that the apology was due to 'security considerations'. Megahed denied reports that Issa Hayatou, the head of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), had dragged the tournament out of Egypt's hands. "It's not true," said Megahed, pointing out that the difficult circumstances in the country at this moment are the key factor behind Egypt having to say no this time. The Egyptian squad: Goalkeepers: Ahmed el-Shenawi, Ali Lofti, Mohamed Bassem. Defenders: Ahmed Hegazi, Saad el-Deen Samir, Ali Fathi, Moa'z el-Henawi, Omar Gaber, Islam Ramadan. Midfielders: Hossam Hassan, Amr el-Soliaa, Saleh Ahmed, Shehab Ahmed, Mohamed el-Nini, Ahmed Hamoudi, Hisham Mohamed, Mohamed Sobhi, Ahmed Shoukri, Ahmed Magdi. Strikers: Mohamed Salah, Marwan Mohssen, Ahmed Koka, Ahmed Shoreida.
