Egypt Face Jordan In Crucial Group C Clash

Doha, Qatar: Egypt will take on Jordan in a decisive Group C clash today at Al Bayt Stadium as The Pharaohs battle for a slot in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

Head coach Helmy Toulan said his squad understands the weight of the task as they seek the win that will secure a place in the knockout stage. On the other hand, Jordan have already made it through to the quarters.

“This match will not be easy,” Toulan said.

“Jordan have played two strong games and already qualified, but we must be fully focused, technically and mentally, to win and reach the next round. They are strong in defence, midfield and attack, yet we have full confidence in our squad,” Toulan said.

In Group C, Jordan are leading with six points, Egypt have two points while UAE and Kuwait have one point each. Egypt will qualify with a win, and a draw could also take them through if UAE and Kuwait share points at Stadium 974. If Egypt lose, their only route depends on a draw between UAE and Kuwait and goal difference in a three-way tie.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Jordan head coach Jamal Salami said he will make some changes and give rest to certain players.

“We are focused only on our group. I do not want to choose who we face in the quarter-finals. We qualified as group leaders. The opponent will be whoever comes. We will wait to see who qualifies and we will try to beat them.”

Meanwhile, the UAE and Kuwait prepare for a high-stakes meeting at Stadium 974.

UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu said he hopes his side can extend their stay in the tournament.

“We hope to continue our journey in this Arab Cup,” Olaroiu said.

“We must be ready for the third match. After two games we are trying to recover, and we are looking to win tomorrow, then wait to see what happens in the other group match and whether its result will allow us to qualify.”

Olaroiu also said the World Cup exit still hurts the squad.

“Everyone was disappointed about not reaching the World Cup finals, the staff and the players,” he said.

“We wanted better results, but things are not always in our hands. Many factors play a role. We played good matches but did not win because of mistakes and wrong decisions that affected our results.”

Kuwait coach Helio Sousa said he is expecting a tight battle.

“The match is another big challenge for us. We will continue to give everything, just as we have done since the start of the tournament,” Sousa said.

“Tomorrow's game will be difficult, but our chances of qualifying are still alive. We will give our all to win, and we hope Egypt slip against Jordan so that we can reach the next round,” Sousa said.

“The UAE are a strong team and in good form, but we are ready for this contest and we will fight until the end.”

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