‘Great ambition and professionalism’: Hamza Abdelkarim’s former coach lauds Egypt’s teenage star
CAIRO: Just days after making a dream move from Al-Ahly to Barcelona, 18-year-old Egyptian national team player Hamza Abdelkarim made history by making his World Cup debut after coming on as second-half substitute for Pharaohs legend Mohamed Salah.
He became his country’s youngest ever player at the World Cup.
The official page of FC Barcelona marked the occasion by posting a picture of Hamza wearing the national team jersey with the caption: “Hamza Abdelkarim featured in Egypt’s 1-1 draw against Belgium on his FIFA World Cup debut.”
Speaking to Arab News, Osama Zaki, Abdelkarim’s former coach at Al-Ahly, said: “The player possesses great ambition and professionalism despite his young age. He has managed to develop himself in all physical and technical aspects.”
