Egypt's under-20 national team, led by coach Wail Riyad, is set to participate in the North African qualifiers for the African Youth Championship, scheduled to take place in Ghana next February. The team has a rich history of achievements in both continental and global competitions. With four African championship titles and a bronze medal in the 2001 World Youth Championship in Argentina, the team is considered one of the powerhouses in African youth football.
Egypt's under-20 team has won the African Youth Championship four times: in 1981 under coach Hani Mustafa, in 1991 under coach Mohamed Abu El-Ez, in 2003 under coach Hassan Shehatta, and in 2013 under coach Rabi Yasin. These victories showcase the team's dominance in African youth football and demonstrate its ability to produce talented players who can compete at the highest level.
The 1981 championship was won under the leadership of coach Hani Mustafa, who guided the team to victory over Cameroon. This team included notable players such as Taher Abouzaid, Alaa Mehboub, and Hamada Sedki. Ten years later, coach Mohamed Abu El-Ez led the team to its second title in 1991, defeating Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 in the final.
Egypt's under-20 team has also had notable performances in the World Youth Championship, with its best finish being a bronze medal in the 2001 tournament in Argentina. Under the guidance of coach Shouki Ghareeb, the team defeated Paraguay to secure the third-place finish. The team's other notable performances in the World Youth Championship include reaching the quarterfinals in 1981 and advancing to the round of 16 in 2003, 2009, and 2011.
The 2003 African Youth Championship was won under the leadership of coach Hassan Shehatta, who led the team to a 4-3 victory over Cote d'Ivoire in the final. This team included talented players such as Emad Moteab, Ahmed Fathi, and Hosni Abd Rabo. In 2013, coach Rabi Yasin guided the team to its fourth African championship title, defeating Ghana in the final.
Egypt's under-20 team has produced many talented players who have gone on to achieve great success in their careers. Some notable examples include Mohamed Salah, who played for the team in the 2011 World Youth Championship, and Rami Rabia, Mahmoud Kahraba, and Saleh Gomaa, who were part of the 2013 African championship-winning team.
As the team prepares for the North African qualifiers, it will be looking to build on its rich history of achievements and continue to produce talented players who can compete at the highest level. With its strong record and experienced coaching staff, Egypt's under-20 team is expected to be a contender for the African Youth Championship title in Ghana next February.
Key points
- Egypt's under-20 team has won the African Youth Championship four times and secured a bronze medal in the 2001 World Youth Championship.
