Egypt’s U-23 side are determined to win the Arab Cup, says coach Hany Ramzy
Egypt’s under-23 team are looking to win the Arab Cup to get a psychological boost before playing in the London Games, Hany Ramzy said on Wednesday.
Egypt’s first game will be on Sunday, the match will be live on: www.NileSports.tv
Egypt’s Olympic side will play in the regional tournament instead of the national senior team as they gear up for the London Games, where they were drawn in Group C that also includes Brazil, Belarus and New Zealand.
”We are eying the Arab Cup title, which will benefit us psychologically,” coach Ramzy told Ahram Online on Wednesday.
Egypt will play in Group C against Iraq, Sudan and Lebanon. The tournament starts on Friday in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Ramzy denied rumors indicating that he fell out with Egypt boss Bob Bradley over the call-up of some players.
Reports said Ramzy was angry after Bradley refused to release goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shennawi to play in the Arab Cup.
“There is a complete coordination between the two technical staffs. The Pharaohs are waiting for a crucial game against Central Africa and we must support them in this critical phase,” the former Egypt defender added.
Egypt are facing an uphill task to reach next year’s African Cup of Nations in South Africa. They will have to overturn a 3-2 first-leg deficit when they face Central Africa in Bangui on 30 June.
Ramzy also said he will reveal the names of the three over-age players who will take part in the Olympics at the end of this month.
Zamalek striker Amr Zaki and Haras El-Hodoud forward Ahmed Eid are already included in the Olympic team squad for the Arab Cup.
