History beckons. Egypt have never won a medal at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament before – but they are now within touching distance of breaking new ground.
They have progressed to the semi-finals for the first time in 60 years, with France standing in their way of a place in the gold medal match.
While the host nation will be undoubted favourites in Monday’s Lyon showdown, Thierry Henry’s side can expect a stern examination against a Pharaohs team who believe this is their time.
“We have been fighting for two years for this moment,” midfielder Ahmed Atef told FIFA after their quarter-final victory over Paraguay. “We promised our people that we would win a medal in this championship, so we will continue to fight for our dream until the end.”
The dream appeared to be over as they headed into the dying moments of their last-eight tie. A goal down to a determined, well-drilled Paraguay team, the clock had just ticked past the 87-minute mark and – despite the North Africans’ tireless efforts – clear chances were proving hard to come by.
They kept going, however, and got their reward when a wonderful cross from Zizo was met by Ibrahim Adel, who headed home his third goal of Paris 2024. Extra time came and went before the North Africans triumphed on penalties, with man-of-the-moment Adel converting the winning kick.
“In the Egyptian national team, we do not give up,” said Karim El Debes, who rifled in a spot-kick in the shootout. “We play until the last second of the match, and thanks to God, we were able to score the equaliser. Ibrahim Adel is a unique player for us, but we are united as a team. There is not one star – rather the team is the star.
“We are currently writing history, focusing on achieving a medal for our Egyptian people. This has been our goal from the beginning – and we thank God that we are one step closer to that.”
Egypt will head into the semi-final having already upset heavyweight European opposition at Paris 2024. They rounded off their group-stage campaign with a hugely impressive 2-1 victory over Spain – and Atef provided an insight into their surging collective belief.
“We are fully convinced we have the ability to achieve great things here,” he said. “We have shown we can reach the furthest point in the Olympics.”
Egypt’s Brazilian coach, Rogerio Micale, already knows what it takes to go all the way at the Games, having led his home country to gold at Rio 2016. Atef paid tribute to the 55-year-old’s motivational qualities and tactical acumen.
“We are very grateful to coach Micale,” he said. “From day one, we [the players] have supported him. He also supports us personally and gives us confidence. He tells us repeatedly that any one of us can be part of big club teams in Europe. His work on the field is evident to everyone. We have great respect for him, and we want to win a medal for our country and for him personally.”
Asked how he would celebrate if Egypt did achieve their target, Atef said: “My family is number one in my life, along with my country, of course. So, if we succeed in winning a medal, I will immediately return to my homeland to see my mother.”
