Egypt U20 coach Gaber reveals team is ready to face Nigeria

Egypt boss Mahmoud Gaber says the hosts are ready and motivated to face Nigeria in the penultimate match in Group A of the ongoing TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.

The hosts were held to a frustrating goalless stalemate by the resolute Mozambique in the opening match of the 23rd edition of the U-20 AFCON.

They dominated large parts of the match at the Cairo International stadium but failed to deliver in front of their home fans in the capital.

“We started working right after the Mozambique game,” Gaber confirmed. “Everyone is ready and we're very motivated to win.”

The Pharaohs were a delight to watch with their neat interchange of passes and marauding fullbacks joining in the attack against Mozambique but Gaber hints at some possible changes.

"It is possible that we will change the way we play against Nigeria. We watched the Nigeria-Senegal match and we prepared well for the match,” said the former Ismaily coach.

"We suffered from a low defensive block against Mozambique, and we will not suffer from this against Nigeria due to the different way of playing."

Arab Contractors defender Omar Fayed says the Pharaohs were not lucky against Mozambique but stressed his teammates are not afraid of facing any team in the tournament.

“We respect all the teams, but we are not afraid to play against any team,” the young defender said. “Our goal is to get the three points and we will fight for the win.”