Women's Soccer's Tarik to Compete at Africa Women's Cup of Nations

Written by Joshua Soto (SJC-LI Sports Information)

Patchogue, NY| Salma Tarik, the head coach of the St. Joseph's College (L.I.) women's soccer team, was included in the Egypt women's national soccer team set to compete at the 2016 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Africa Women's Cup of Nations.

The tournament will be hosted in Cameroon between November 19 and December 3 and features eight teams in two preliminary groups of four.

For Egypt, it will be the team's second-ever appearance in the tournament and its first since 1998. Egypt will face Cameroon, Zimbabwe and South Africa in the group stages, with only the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage.

On April 11 2015, Tarik—who made her international debut in 2008—fired the Pharaohs into the group stages after she slotted home the game-winning goal in the 76th minute in a shocking 2-1 away win over Senegal in M'Bour in qualification.

"I'm honored to be playing with the Egyptian National Team and represent my country," said Tarik, who just wrapped up her first season at the helm of the SJC women's team. "The experience is something special and I'm always excited to be a part of another culture. It's something special when you put on that jersey and know you're representing your country," added Tarik. "There is also a different style of coaching with different methodologies which as a young aspiring coach is amazing to see and implement."

The Hosftra University stand out is currently fourth all-time in goals (28) and was an All-Colonial Athletic Association First-Team and NSCAA Regional All-American First-Team selection in 2009 and 2010. Additionally, Tarik was a two-time finalist for CAA Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010.

For more information on the Africa Women's Cup of Nations click here.