Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, 59, said on Friday his ambition at the Africa Cup of Nations was to lift the trophy, while being focused on defeating Cote d’Ivoire in the quarter-final on Saturday.
The match will be the 12th meeting between Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire at the Africa Cup of Nations, making it the most frequently played fixture in the tournament’s history.
On Monday, Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Benin, with goals from Marwan Attia, Yasser Ibrahim, and Mohamed Salah.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Hassan acknowledged the quality of their West African opponents, stressing, “Cote d’Ivoire are a formidable side with top-class players.”
Still, Hassan, who qualified the Pharaohs for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, expressed a strong desire to win it all in Morocco.
“Our ambition in this tournament is clear: to win another Africa Cup of Nations,” said Hassan, a former Egypt striker, who won three AFCON titles, out of the Pharaohs' seven, in 1998, 2006, and 2008.
On hosts Morocco, Hassan praised the organization of the tournament and the enthusiasm of local supporters. He also hailed the current competition as one of the best editions of the tournament and described Moroccan fans as “great”. Hassan noted he had cheered for Morocco during their historic run at the 2022 World Cup because “we are all brothers."
He added that Egypt’s 2006 AFCON title on their home soil was a standout moment in his career. That year, the Pharaohs won their fifth AFCON title, with Hassan as skipper, after beating Cote d’Ivoire 4-2 on penalties in the final.
Turning to individuals, Hassan lauded winger Mahmoud 'Trezequet' Hassan, who could miss the Elephants' clash due to a sprained ankle he sustained in the Benin match, as a fighter and a model professional.
He added that the continued development of African football had made every match in the tournament a stern test.
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