Egypt’s Olympic national team beat Saudi Arabia in friendly game

Egypt’s Olympic national football team defeated their counterpart in Saudi Arabia 4-1 in a friendly game on Saturday within preparations for the 2020 Summer Olympics men’s football tournament qualifiers.

Arab Contractors’ attacking midfielder Taher Mohamed Taher gave Egypt an early lead from penalty kick after Ahly’s winger Ramdan Sobhi was tripped inside the area only three minutes from the start.

Ahly winger Ramadan Sobhi scored the second goal for Egypt in the 13th minute also from penalty kick after his teammate Ahmed Aboulfetouh being tripped by Saudi Arabia’s defender Abdel Elah Al-Amri.

Ahmed Fattoh striked the third goal for Egypt from outside the area in the 26th minute while Saudi Arabia returns to the game after Abdel Elah Al-Amri headed the first goal for the Asian giants after receiving a cross ball from a corner to finish the first half with 3-1 lead to the young Pharaohs.

In the second half Ahly striker Salah Mohsen scored the fourth goal for Egypt four minutes after the break after receiving a long pass from Ramadan Sobhi from the left wing.

The Saudi team did their best to score another goal but the Egyptian defence suspended the visitors’ efforts to find the net to finish the game with 4-1 win for the young Pharaohs.

The two sides were scheduled to play two friendlies during the September closed camp as the second game will be played on 10 September amid Egypt’s team preparations for the 2019 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, to be hosted by Egypt in November.

Egypt aim to book a place in Tokyo 2020 after the team missed the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro.

The Egyptian team last took part in the Olympic Games in 2012, reaching the quarterfinals before losing 3-0 to Japan in Manchester.

Source: Ahram Online