CAIRO - Egypt's U-23 Olympic national team have finished their preparations for their opening match against Gabon Sunday at 7:30 (Cairo Local Time) in the U-23 African Cup of Nations (ACN), that runs from today to December 10 in Morocco. Hani Ramzi, the technical coach of the team, is optimistic that his team can do something good for the country. "The team are ready now for Gabon, as we've been watching many of the videotapes of their friendly matches," Ramzi said, pointing out that Gabon are a good, strong team who knocked out Mali in the qualifiers. The Egyptian Olympic team arrived in Morocco last Friday, one week ahead of the official opening of the championship. "Travelling early to Marrakech had helped the players to get to know each other better, as well as to fully ‘imbibe' the tournament atmosphere," he explained. The tactician recognised that the opening match against Gabon will be the most difficult of all. "Opening games are always difficult anyway," added Ramzi, explaining that the eight countries that have qualified are Africa's best. "We are all set for this challenging mission and of course a win would be a good boost for the team at the beginning." The tournament, the first edition of the U-23 ACN, serves as the qualifying championship for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Ramzi has decided to withdraw three players from the main line-up due to injury: defender Saad el-Deen Samir, and midfielders Amr el-Soliaa and Ahmed Hamoudi. But, there are other players ready to step into the breach. “We are ready for this crucial tournament. We know how difficult it is; it will be a great challenge for us,” stressed Ramzi. He was hoping that the tournament would be held in Egypt, giving the Young Pharaohs a terrific home advantage. In fact, Egypt was indeed due to host the Olympic Games qualifiers, but their coinciding with the People's Assembly elections in the country meant that local sports officials had to offer their apologies. "But, I am sure that the Moroccan fans will support us," added Ramzi. The Pharaohs have been drawn against Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa and Gabon in Group A, while Group B comprises Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria and Senegal. The Young Pharaohs will kick off against Gabon tonight, before meeting Côte d'Ivoire on Tuesday and then South Africa on December 2. Africa comes second in terms of accomplishments in the past four Olympic tournaments, with Nigeria grabbing a gold medal and Cameroon snatching a silver. "Although all the teams are strong, I am optimistic about our chances," stressed Ramzi, an ex-international defender. The first two teams of each group will qualify for the semi-finals of the championship, while the two finalists will automatically go through to the Olympics, along with the third-place winner. The fourth place team also will face an Asian representative in a two-leg tie and the winner will qualify for the Games. "Although my players are playing for local teams and are not professionals, I have great confidence in them," stressed the ex-Al-Ahly player, pointing out that, if these young stars can prove themselves by reaching the Olympics, they could well become professionals with European teams. "There is a very good spirit in the Young Pharaohs' camp and I am optimistic about our chances of qualifying for the Olympic Games," he added. The Young Pharaohs, who have not qualified for the Olympics since 1992, are aiming to put on a strong performance in the hope of snatching the ACN title and qualifying for London next year. “The players are concentrating hard; they are all aware that they must really win every game, if they want to get to the final and ensure a berth in the 2012 Olympic Games, making the fans happy," stressed Ramzi, who isn't underestimating the North and West African teams, who all play great soccer. "The tournament will be a tough one. Nigeria, who have considerable experience in the Olympics, and Morocco, the host country, will be our toughest opponents," he explained. “Algeria are also a tough team, but we cannot underestimate Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire and South Africa either. I hope that Egypt, Algeria and Morocco will all qualify for the Olympics together.” Tareq el-Said, the general coach of the Olympic team, said that the coaching staff are satisfied with the team's level ahead of the tournament. “We have tried many players in different positions to fill the breach left by the injured trio," added el-Said, an ex-Zamalek and Ahly star. Egypt's 20-man squad: Goalkeepers: Ahmed el-Shenawi, Ali Lofti, Mohamed Bassem. Defenders: Ahmed Hegazi, Ali Fathi, Moaz el-Henawi, Omar Gaber, Islam Ramadan. Midfielders: Hossam Hassan, Saleh Ahmed, Shehab Ahmed, Mohamed el-Nini, Hisham Mohamed, Mohamed Sobhi, Ahmed Shoukri, Ahmed Magdi. Strikers: Mohamed Salah, Marwan Mohssen, Ahmed Koka, Ahmed Shoreida.
