Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Egypt coach Helmi Toulan has expressed his strong desire for the Pharaohs to perform well in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. The national team is set to open their Group C campaign against Kuwait at the Lusail Stadium today, with Jordan and the UAE completing the group. This marks Egypt’s sixth appearance in the tournament, where they have won the trophy once in 1992 and reached the semi-finals twice, including in Qatar in 2021.
Several star players will be missing from Egypt’s lineup. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush remain with their English clubs, Liverpool and Manchester City, while the senior squad focuses on preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations starting on December 21 in Morocco. Despite these absences, Toulan believes his squad has the ability to make an impact and combine experience with young talent.
Toulan said, “I was chosen to coach the national team for a limited period. We had a good preparatory phase with friendly matches against Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria, which helped us assess the team and build a strong combination of youth and experience. Our goals are high, and I have full confidence in the players to perform well in the tournament.”
Toulan also highlighted the support from Egyptian fans, both in Doha and back home, which he believes will be a crucial factor in motivating the team. The Pharaohs are determined to leave a mark in the Arab Cup, showing the quality and resilience of Egyptian football even without their top stars.
Kuwait enters the tournament with confidence after defeating Mauritania 2-0 in the qualifiers at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. The team is making its ninth appearance at the Arab Cup and is aiming for its first title under Portuguese coach Hélio Sousa. Sousa emphasized long-term team development and victory in the opening match.
Sousa said, “We played six preparatory matches since last September, focusing on building a strong team and combination that can perform consistently. We face a strong opponent in Egypt, and our goal is to play well and secure victory while laying foundations for the future.”
Both teams have met twice before in the Arab Cup. Egypt won 1-0 in 1992, while Kuwait defeated Egypt 4-1 in 1998. With a large crowd expected at the iconic Lusail Stadium, both sides aim to improve their record and make a strong impression in the tournament’s early stages.
Egypt hopes to use this tournament to test emerging talent and maintain competitive momentum ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. Kuwait, meanwhile, is focused on building team cohesion and achieving its first Arab Cup success. The clash promises to be a competitive encounter, showcasing the growing standard of football in the Arab region.
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