Photo: EFA official facebook page
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has said the Pharaohs are determined to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, insisting his team has the quality and mentality to reclaim the continental title for the first time since 2010.
Speaking in an interview published by CAF Online on Sunday, the former Egypt striker and three-time AFCON winner said the seven-time champions would approach the tournament with their customary ambition, despite recent near misses in the final stages.
“Everyone in the Egyptian national team already has a winning mentality,” Hassan said, recalling his AFCON triumphs as a player in 1998, 2006, and 2008. “We will do everything possible to reach the top and lift the trophy again. Achieving that requires tremendous effort from every member of the team.”
Egypt have not won the Africa Cup of Nations since completing an unprecedented treble in 2010, but Hassan said the team’s history and depth ensure they remain contenders. “Egypt is always among the favourites in any competition because of its rich history, particularly in the Africa Cup of Nations, where we hold the record with seven titles,” he added.
Looking ahead to the finals in Morocco, Hassan said his squad was highly motivated and well equipped for the challenge. “The Egyptian squad has top players at both club and national level, and they are highly motivated for this championship,” he said.
Hassan also played down concerns about Egypt’s Group B opponents, while acknowledging the growing competitiveness of African football. “All teams in the group are strong and have important, professional players,” he said. “African football has developed a lot in recent years, but we will give our all to win the title and make the Egyptian people happy.”
The Egypt coach praised the Confederation of African Football for its role in developing the tournament, citing improvements in organization, marketing, and technical standards. He expressed confidence that Morocco would deliver a successful finals. “Morocco has tremendous organisational potential, and I am confident it will host an exceptional tournament,” he said.
Addressing supporters, Hassan thanked Egyptian fans for their continued backing and pledged full commitment from the team. “God willing, we will do everything possible to lift the trophy,” he said. “The national team has always been a source of joy for our fans, and we promise to give our all to make them proud.”
Egypt were runners-up at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and finished second again in 2021, results Hassan said should motivate the current generation as they seek to restore the country to the summit of African football.
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