Algiers, Algeria – Egypt’s goalkeeping coach, Essam El Hadary, has stated that the recent friendly match against Algeria provided a crucial opportunity to assess the national team’s readiness ahead of the upcoming Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar.
El Hadary’s comments followed Egypt’s narrow 3-2 victory over Algeria in a tightly contested match. He emphasized that the primary objective of the friendly was not solely focused on the result but rather on evaluating player performances and identifying the core squad members for the prestigious tournament.
“Facing North African teams is always characterized by intense passion and requires a high level of spirit and determination from the players,” El Hadary noted in an interview. “This match served as an invaluable chance to gauge the team’s capabilities before the challenges that lie ahead.”
He further explained that the coaching staff was able to experiment with different tactical approaches and player combinations during the game, gaining valuable insights into the team’s strengths and weaknesses. The friendly allowed them to observe how players responded under pressure and adapted to various game situations.
Egypt’s squad is preparing for a second friendly encounter against Algeria, scheduled to take place at Cairo International Stadium. This match will be the final opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their preparations before the Arab Cup, which will be held in Qatar from December 1st to 18th.
The coaching team is keen to use the upcoming match to solidify the team’s strategy and ensure that the players are fully prepared for the challenges they will face in the Arab Cup. The tournament represents a significant opportunity for Egypt to showcase its footballing talent on a regional stage and compete for the coveted title.
