Mustafa Lotfy: "Egypt aims to win first Beach Soccer AFCON title on home soil
In an exclusive interview with CAFonline, Egypt's beach soccer coach, Mustafa Lotfy, expressed his team's ambition to clinch their first-ever CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations title.
The tournament, set to take place in Hurghada, Egypt, from October 19 to 26, 2024, offers the Pharaohs a chance to make history after narrowly missing out on the title in the previous edition, where they lost to Senegal in the final on penalties.
Lotfy called on Egyptian fans to rally behind the team, emphasizing that home support will be crucial as they seek redemption. He acknowledged the strength of Group A, which includes Ghana, Tanzania, and Morocco, and noted that every team in the group is capable of reaching the final.
Nevertheless, he remains confident in Egypt's preparations and their ability to rise to the challenge.
When asked about the pressure of hosting the tournament, Lotfy admitted that playing on home soil brings added expectations but sees it as a motivating factor. He expressed optimism, stating that the team is ready and focused on converting the pressure into confidence and determination.
Interview with Coach Mustafa Lotfy
CAFonline: How are your preparations going for the upcoming Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, which is just days away?
Mustafa Lotfy: We had two training camps in Alexandria, and then we moved to Hurghada to get used to the atmosphere and the pitch. Thankfully, we have improved our fitness levels and worked on both tactical and physical aspects. The players are in good shape, and we have studied our opponents—Ghana, Tanzania, and Morocco. We hope to succeed, God willing.
CAFonline: In the last edition in Mozambique, you reached the final but lost to Senegal. Are you aiming to make up for that in this edition?
Lotfy: Indeed, we played well in the last edition, reaching the final for the first time in Egypt’s beach soccer history. We were close to winning against Senegal; we were leading until they equalized in the last minute and a half, and we lost on penalties. Everyone has the drive to go as far as possible, and this time we want to go one step further and claim the title for the first time. Playing in Egypt is a big motivation for us, especially with the support of our fans, and we are determined to win the championship on home soil.
CAFonline: The tournament will be held in Hurghada, Egypt. Does hosting the competition add extra pressure?
Lotfy: There is certainly pressure to win the title, but we will need everything, including fan support, and we will turn this pressure into confidence. We have hosted tournaments before, such as in Sharm El Sheikh and the Arab Championship, and it worked out well. We hope to be crowned champions this time, especially with the enthusiasm our fans bring.
CAFonline: You are in Group A with Morocco, Tanzania, and Ghana. What is your opinion on these teams?
Lotfy: Our group is the strongest among the two. Ghana has a solid team with good players, Tanzania is very strong, and Morocco is a well-respected team with rapid development in beach soccer. The matches will not be easy, and any team in our group could make it to the final. We hope for the best and aim to finish at the top of our group, taking each match one at a time.
CAFonline: How do you see the opening match against Ghana, and what are the keys to winning your first game?
Lotfy: We have thoroughly studied our group opponents—Morocco, Ghana, and Tanzania. We understand their strengths and weaknesses. Our strategy will be to exploit their weaknesses while neutralizing their strengths.
CAFonline: Any final message to Egyptian fans ahead of the Beach Soccer AFCON?
Lotfy: The Egyptian fans are powerful and amazing. We are well-prepared for the competition, and I am sure our fans will support and back us. We ask them to fill the stands at all our matches and throughout the tournament so that these finals will be a success. God willing, we hope the trophy will remain on Egyptian soil.