Passport Soccer

AFCON 2025 Preview: Egypt

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Egypt is the most successful country in Africa Cup of Nations history, having won the title on seven occasions. The Pharaohs are consistent contenders to lift the trophy, and this year will be no different. Egypt boast a strong and very experienced squad, with head coach Hossam Hassan opting to stick with veteran players over bringing in too many new faces. This has caused some criticism within some Egyptian football circles, as they feel the team should start looking more to the future, but Hassan and Egypt feel they can win right now. Egypt will want to move on from the disappointment they suffered in the last Africa Cup of Nations when they went out in the Round of 16 to DR Congo on penalties.

Egypt went unbeaten in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and only conceded 2 goals in their 6 matches, with Mahmoud Trézéguet leading the way in attack with 4 goals. Egypt then continued their unbeaten run in competitive matches by qualifying for 2026 FIFA World Cup, again only conceding 2 goals this time in 8 matches to reach their 4^th ever FIFA World Cup. It’s clear that Egypt are a strong defensive side, though that defensive resolve will be tested with star defender Mohamed Abdelmonem set to miss the tournament with an ACL injury. The main question is whether Egypt will have the fire power to make a deep run in the tournament. It sounds like it shouldn’t be an issue when you see this squad on paper with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed, and Omar Marmoush leading the attack. But many of their star players come into AFCON out of form with their clubs.

Some concerns were raised following two friendly defeats against Uzbekistan and Cape Verde in November in the buildup to the tournament, their first losses in many months. But one thing is for sure, Egypt are one nation in Africa you can never write off.

Potential Starting XI

Coach

Hossam Hassan

During his playing days, Hossam Hassan was captain of Egypt and finished his career as the country’s all-time top goal scorer. He was appointed Egypt head coach following The Pharaohs disappointing exit from AFCON 2023. Hassan has found success, qualifying Egypt for Afcon 2025 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This is his first national team head coaching job.

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Players to Watch

Mohamed Salah
Age: 33
Position: RW/CF
Caps/Goals: 109/63
Club: Liverpool FC (England)

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Salah comes into this Africa Cup of Nations amidst controversy at his club Liverpool. Going away with Egypt could be a blessing in disguise for the star winger, as he looks to find the form that made him the star he is. Salah has won so much at club level, he will surely be desperate to add an Africa Cup of Nations title to his trophy cabinet.

Omar Marmoush
Age: 26
Position: LW/CF
Caps/Goals: 40/8
Club: Manchester City FC (England)

Similar to Salah, Marmoush has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League this season for Manchester City, with only 1 goal in the League Cup. But there is no denying Marmoush’s talent. He can play anywhere across the front line for The Pharaohs.