Al Ahly and Egypt defender Ramy Rabia discussed the national team’s preparations for their upcoming game against Cape Verde.
The Pharaohs will face Cape Verde in Cairo on September 6 before heading to play Botswana in Gaborone on 10 September to kick off the AFCON 2025 qualifiers campaign.
Rabia is expected now to feature in both games following Mohamed Abdelmonem’s withdrawal from the national team following his move to French club OGC Nice.
The 31-year-old has 24 caps to his name, in which he scored three goals, and will hope to add to his international games tally.
Speaking to ON Time Sports, Rabia said: “We are well prepared for both games. We need to win at home, and this is our only target.
“This will make our life easier in the group and sends a message to the [rest of the teams in the] competition.
“We had [time to] rest, and preparations are going well. The training sessions are on track, and we are ready.
“The presence of fans gives us a push and makes the game more important. We want the fans to fill the stadium because we play football for them.”