Egypt U23 v Ivory Coast | U23 AFCON 2019 | FINAL
Time: 20:00 Cairo Local Time
Venue: Cairo Stadium
Egypt’s U23 team will be looking for another achievement as they chase the competition’s title on Friday when they face Cote d’Ivoire in the final at Cairo Stadium.
The Pharaohs, who reached the final following a 3-0 win over South Africa in the semis on Tuesday, will be aiming to continue their winning run in the competition and win the title for the first time in the country’s history.
“Winning the title will be a great achievement alongside our success in reaching the Olympic Games,” coach Shawki Gharib told the pre-match news conference on Thursday.
“We produced a strong performance during the competition and I hope to keep our winning rhythm in the final.”
Egypt ended the group stage with a maximum nine points after defeating Mali 1-0, Ghana 3-2 and Cameroon 2-1, respectively.
In the semis, they outclassed South Africa 3-0 to secure their place in Tokyo 2020.
The Pharaohs’ mission in the final will not be easy, as they will face a resilient Cote d’Ivoire, who’ve produced a convincing performance during the competition so far.
They ended the group stage at the top of Group B before overcoming Ghana in the semis on shootouts.
Cote D’Ivoire U-23 defender Ismael Diallo said that his nation’s clash against Egypt will be complicated.
Diallo started all four games for Cote D’Ivoire in the U-23 AFCON, helping his side keep two clean sheets.
Speaking ahead of their clash against hosts, Egypt, Diallo feels the pressure will be on the Pharaohs.
“We’ll do our best against Egypt. These types of games are very important and this motivates us,” Diallo said in a press conference. “Egypt being the hosts does not put any pressure on us. In fact, the pressure will be on them on Friday.
“We’ll play the final just like any other game we play and we’ll see what happens. “The game will be very complicated because Egypt is a very strong country. We have to remain focused to win the U-23 AFCON,” Diallo concluded.
Meanwhile, the Egyptians avenged their fallen senior comrades on Tuesday after demolishing South Africa 3-0 The Pharaohs will host Cote D’Ivoire at the Cairo Stadium on Friday at 8:00 PM local Egyptian time.
