U-20 AFCON: Egypt coach Osama Nabih wary of Ghana’s threat ahead of quarter-final encounter

Ghana U-20 defender Aaron Essel has stated that their quarter-final clash against hosts Egypt at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations will be treated with utmost seriousness.

The Black Satellites, who won Group C with seven points, will take on the Junior Pharaohs at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday, May 12. Egypt booked their quarter-final spot as one of the best third-placed teams, despite finishing level with South Africa and Sierra Leone on seven points in Group A.

Essel says the team is fully focused on qualifying for the World Cup and they will treat the Egypt encounter like a final.

“For us, this is a final. The field will decide who wins, and we are determined to make sure it’s Ghana,” he said. “Preparations have gone very well. Everyone is focused and ready to deliver.”

“There’s talk of scouts and agents watching, but that’s not our focus. We’re here in Egypt on a mission to qualify for the World Cup and make Ghana proud.”

“This is football. We’ve trained hard, and the mood in camp is calm and focused,” he stated. “Everyone knows what’s at stake. We’re not just playing for ourselves; we’re playing for Ghana. We want to leave a legacy.”

Ghana take on Egypt in what promises to be one of the most closely watched quarter-finals of the tournament, and Egypt head coach Osama Nabih is expecting a tough challenge.

“Yes, Ghana are strong. Yes, they’ve had more rest. But we are Egypt. My players are fully aware of the challenge and are ready to defend our dream.

“We ask the fans to stand behind us in this national mission,” said Coach Nabih, as quoted by CAFOnline.