Two key players have provided a glimpse into the mindset driving their historic Olympic football campaign as they prepare to play in the semi-final of the 2024 Paris Games on Monday.
The Pharaohs will take on France in the semi-finals on Monday as they seek to win their first medal in football at the Olympic Games.
Following Egypt’s dramatic quarter-final victory over Paraguay at Paris 2024 on Friday, Ahmed Atef and Karim El Debes, painted a picture of unwavering determination, unity, and national pride that has propelled the Pharaohs to their first Olympic semi-final in 60 years.
The journey to this point has been anything but easy. Facing elimination in the dying minutes of their quarter-final match, Egypt showcased the resilience that has become their hallmark.
El Debes, who coolly converted a penalty in the shootout, encapsulates this spirit: “In the Egyptian national team, we do not give up. We play until the last second of the match, and thanks to God, we were able to score the equalizer,” he told FIFA.com.
This never-say-die attitude is rooted in a promise made to their nation. Midfielder Atef reveals, “We have been fighting for two years for this moment. 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 weight of expectation could be overwhelming, but for these players, it’s a source of motivation. El Debes speaks of the historic nature of their run: “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.”
Central to Egypt’s success has been their collective approach. While individuals like Ibrahim Adel have shone brightly, El Debes emphasizes the team’s unity: “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.”
This team-first mentality has enabled Egypt to punch above their weight, as evidenced by their shock 2-1 victory over Spain in the group stage. It’s fueled a belief that they can compete with anyone, as Atef states: “We are fully convinced we have the ability to achieve great things here. We have shown we can reach the furthest point in the Olympics.”
As they prepare to face tournament favorites France in the semi-finals, Egypt carries not just the hopes of a nation, but also a deep sense of personal motivation.
For Atef, the dream of Olympic success is intertwined with family pride: “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.”
With their sights set on making history, Egypt’s footballers stand as a testament to the power of collective belief and national pride.
Whether they go all the way or not, their journey has already inspired a nation and captured the imagination of football fans worldwide.