Egypt national women’s team midfielder Nadine Ghazi has drawn inspiration from the Pharaohs ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final tournament in Morocco.
Speaking during a webinar which CAF hosted for African reporters to interact with some of the continent’s stars on Wednesday, the Al Ahly ladies star said The Cleopatras want to approach WAFCON with the same fighting spirit and attitude the Pharaohs demonstrated at the World Cup.
“How much they filled our hearts with so much joy to the extent that we were believing—and I truly believe until now—that we could have been able to reach the final,” she explained.
“We have such a good team and such a good staff, and with more than 120 million people watching you, supporting you and praying you. It was a heartbreaking exit. However, it ended beautifully.”
Egypt gave a good account of themselves at the World Cup by not only registering their first-ever win but also breaking new ground in reaching the quarterfinal stage before losing 3-2 to Argentina on post-match penalties in controversial circumstances.
The Pharaohs’ performance has rubbed off the women’s team
“We did not think honestly, if you had told me months ago that Egypt would lose 3-2 in the round of 16 against Argentina, I would say that is amazing. Even though we all can agree that the exit was eerie, I am so proud of our team. If anything, this is the best motivation we could ever get for our women’s team, for our first WAFCON in 10 years.”
Ahead of group stage meetings against defending champions Nigeria, Malawi and Zambia, the 24-year-old said he was expecting surprises at this WAFCON.
“We respect every and any team that we face. I think we will make a change and there will be a lot of good surprises at this WAFCON—I truly believe,” she said.
The Cleopatras regular further shared lessons she has gained from her football career for club and country, highlighting the impact of the game on and off the pitch.
“On a personal level, football has taught me a lot. I have learnt discipline, self-confidence, responsibility and how to deal with winning and losing because not many people know how to deal with it honestly,” Ghazi explained.
“These lessons are not only on the pitch and I think in life. I believe everyone playing football and watching football takes these lessons seriously because this is how we grow as a nation and the continent. We have the big responsibility to inspire and keep moving the legacy of Egyptian football on the African stage.”
