Egypt Women’s National Team striker Nadine Ghazi talked about her seemingly unstoppable goal-scoring form in the 2021 Arab Cup.
Egypt is currently participating in the first Arab Women’s Cup, held in Cairo between 24 August and 6 September.
The Pharaohs have had a strong run so far, starting their campaign with a humiliating 10-0 win against Sudan in the opening game, where Ghazi scored a super hat-trick, before beating Lebanon 4-0.
They were then up against Tunisia in the third and final group stage game and dropped their first points after being held to a draw by the Carthage Eagles. Despite the draw, Egypt still secured its spot in the semifinal where they will face Jordan.
Women’s national team forward and top scorer Nadine Ghazi reflects on her side’s journey so far in Arab Cup. She spoke to KingFut’s Michel Jreissati saying: ‘’ We go into every match with a different mindset but with the same goal.’’
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Promising Dana Nadda reflects on Arab Cup journey
Ghazi scored two goals in Egypt’s 2-2 tie against Tunisia, confirming their place in the semi-final against Jordan on Friday.
It was a very animated contest and certainly the most challenging one for the Pharaohs. However, a point was enough to make sure they ended top of their group. Following the game, Ghazi was satisfied with their progress, she said:
‘’Honestly, I was hoping that we can get the win. We played very well even though we felt that there was unfairness from the officials and that we can get more out of the game but at the end of the day we’re grateful that we reached our goal and that we’re on top of the group.’’
Indeed, there were a lot of harsh and controversial decisions against the home side, something that didn’t phase the 19-year-old nor her teammates. Speaking about the secret to their composure, Ghazi explained:
‘’I have to say ‘’chapeau’’ to our coach Mohamed Kamal, he is energetic and very motivational. We go into every match with a different mindset but with the same goal.
‘’And the team captain Engy Attia who is a big help and I want to thank the whole team for an amazing effort, we stood as one team and we all have each other’s backs.’’
It is worth mentioning that the No.10 has scored a brace on Monday night and a super hat-trick against Sudan earlier in the competition. When asked about her scoring tally, the prolific youngster explicated:
”Putting my goal as my priority and my goal is helping my team. As an attacker, helping my team means scoring goals, that’s how I keep it up.”
Reaching the semi-final is not the only achievement this group of players can proudly show off. It has been a long way with many obstacles and Women’s football progress is something Ghazi holds dearly to her heart.
‘’I am extremely happy of what we’ve reached and after a five-year absence to play like this,’’ she told KingFut.
‘’There has always been discrimination and sexism, to be able to overcome all of this is enough for me.
‘’So, I want to thank the entire Egyptian feminist group and that we’ve come a long way and that we’ll keep going.’’
Finally looking forward to the semi-final and the rest of the tournament, the forward remains optimistic
‘’I think we’re gonna get a big win if God wills and I can see us winning the competition.’’ Ghazi concluded.
Egypt will now face Jordan in the semifinal, while Tunisia will face North African neighbors Algeria in the other semifinal encounter. Both games will take place on 3 September, with the final scheduled to be played three days later.
1 Comment