Rio Ave striker Ahmed Hassan ‘Koka' says he did his utmost to coax his club into allowing him to feature for Egypt in the African Youth Championship in Algeria. Rio Ave were reluctant to release Koka for the competition - that kicks off on March 16 - after the 20-year-old forward has become a regular in the Portuguese side's attack recently. However, an agreement has been reached between the U-20 national team and Rio Ave to allow Koka represent Egypt in the tournament, even so he will be available for only two games against Ghana and Algeria. “I did my utmost to convince my coach to allow me play with the U-20 Egypt team in Algeria," ex-Ahli forward Koka told FilGoal.com. “I told him it is so important for me and he agreed only when I told him I won't be able to focus enough if I didn't join the national team. “I'm now a regular for Rio Ave, that's why it was difficult to persuade them into allowing me leave for Egypt. “I will do everything to represent my country in order to reach the World Cup." Koka, who scored six goals for Rio Ave in all competitions so far this season, has been a regular starter for the Portuguese side in the last five league games. He received his first senior Egypt call-up by manager Bob Bradley in the friendly against Chile back in February but didn't feature in the 2-1 defeat.
