The newspaper ''Sport'' reported today about the participation of young Barcelona striker Hamza Abdel Karim with the Egyptian national team yesterday, Tuesday, against South Sudan, as part of the qualifiers for next year's Africa Cup of Nations.
Hamza Abdel Karim managed to shine and scored a goal, contributing to Egypt's five-nil victory over South Sudan in the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Sport highlighted comments from Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, who praised Hamza Abdel Karim and confirmed that the player's presence with the Pharaohs was the gateway to his promotion to Barcelona's first team this season.
Hossam Hassan said about Hamza Abdel Karim after last night's match: "The decision to call up Hamza Abdel Karim to the Egyptian national team was not easy, as the player was not present with Barcelona's first team. But once he joined the national team, attention was focused on him, which led to Hamza's promotion to Barcelona's first team where he got an opportunity to play."
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Hossam Hassan stressed the necessity of Hamza Abdel Karim playing and getting minutes during the upcoming period, adding: "Hamza Abdel Karim is a true source of pride for Egypt, Africa, the Arab world, and Egyptian football. It is wonderful to see an Egyptian player playing at Barcelona, and thank God, we had an important role in this matter. For this reason, we insisted on his presence here with the national team so he can develop and gain experience alongside his teammates."
He concluded: "I have great confidence in Hamza Abdel Karim. My decision to include him in the World Cup squad list is a strong indication of my belief in the player's abilities, as he will deliver better performances and prove himself at Barcelona."
Sport also added that there is concern within the Egyptian national team regarding Hamza Abdel Karim's situation at Barcelona, as the player has not received any minutes with the reserve team, nor played more than four minutes with the first team, which were against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, potentially hindering his development.
On the other hand, Barcelona plans, as previously stated, for Hamza Abdel Karim to participate in approximately 10 to 15 matches this season with the first team. Despite the fierce competition in Barça's attacking line this season, the Egyptian international will get his chance and be part of the rotation policy followed by coach Hansi Flick.
Sport concluded by saying that Hossam Hassan will continue to call up Hamza Abdel Karim to the Egyptian national team during the upcoming period, as there is conviction that the 18-year-old will become an indispensable player in the near future.
