Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) quarter-final football match between Egypt and Ivory Coast at the Grand stadium in Agadir. AFP
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan hailed his players’ fighting spirit after a dramatic 3-2 win over holders Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday sent the Pharaohs into the AFCON 2025 semi-finals in Morocco.
Hassan dedicated the quarter-final victory to the Egyptian people and hailed what he described as the team’s “Egyptian spirit” following a pulsating encounter.
Egypt sealed the win through goals from Omar Marmoush, Rami Rabia and Mohamed Salah, while Côte d’Ivoire responded with an Ahmed Fatouh own goal and a late strike from Guela Doue.
Speaking to BeIN Sports after the match, an emotional Hassan thanked his players and credited their commitment and belief.
“I want to thank the players immensely. They are true Egyptians who fight for the happiness of their people,” Hassan said.
The 59-year-old also defended his use of a five-man defense, a system Egypt have adopted since their second group-stage match.
“We started playing with five defenders from the second match against South Africa,” he explained. “This approach is not only for defending. It also helps us attack better.”
Hassan rejected criticism that the system is overly cautious, insisting it provides balance across the pitch.
“Many think the five-defender system is purely defensive, but that is not true,” he said. “It gives us defensive solidity and attacking threat at the same time, and helps us control the game.”
The former striker, who shares Egypt’s all-time AFCON scoring record with Salah, said tactical innovation remains essential in modern football.
“Every coach relies on ideas and tactical thinking,” Hassan added. “Sometimes you succeed, sometimes you learn. I believe in my philosophy and I communicate constantly with my technical staff and players.”
Hassan also claimed his tactical approach has influenced other teams at the tournament.
“I was among the first to use this system here,” he said with a smile. “After we succeeded with it, other teams started to follow, including Cameroon.”
The coach concluded by praising his attacking players for their defensive contribution.
“The success belongs to the players, starting with Salah and Omar Marmoush, who lead the press from the front. We know there will be spaces, and our players can exploit them. Long live Egypt,” Hassan said.
Egypt will face Senegal in Wednesday’s semi-final, their first AFCON meeting since the 2021 final in Cameroon, which the Teranga Lions won on penalties.
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