President Sisi congratulates national team on U23 AFCON title

CAIRO - 23 November 2019: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi congratulated the national team on Friday on clinching the 2019 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations (AFCON).

President Sisi hailed the team's high level of collective performance, high spirit and distinctive management by a national coaching staff.

According to a statement released by presidential spokesperson Bassam Rady; the president also paid tribute to the Egyptian fans for their civilized support for the national team.

Over 75,000 Egyptian fans packed the stadium to support the young Pharaohs against the tournament's underdogs.

Egypt's first goal came minutes before half time thanks to an accurate shot from the team right wing Karim El Iraqi who received a wonderful cross from the man of the match Ramadan Sobhy.

Ivory Coast shocked Egyptian fans who were ready to celebrate the victory as Ndombia scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser to send the game to extra time.

Sobhy proved he is a world class player and scored Egypt's winning goal seven minutes before the final whistle.

Egypt, Ivory Coast and South Africa will be the three representatives of the black continent at the Men's football tournament during Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games.