Fresh off a disappointing semifinal heartbreak, Egypt’s national team will aim to salvage pride from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign when they face Nigeria in the third-place playoff at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium on Saturday.
The Pharaohs’ dream of a record-extending eighth title ended with a narrow 1-0 semi-final defeat to Senegal on Wednesday, settled by a 78th-minute strike from Sadio Mane, while Nigeria were knocked out by hosts Morocco, losing 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw following extra time in Rabat.
Both continental giants entered AFCON 2025 among the favourites but must now battle for the consolation of a bronze medal.
Under coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt arrived in Morocco determined to secure a record-extending eighth AFCON title, their first since 2010.
Despite inconsistent performances, they progressed unbeaten through the group stage, edged Benin 3-1 after extra time in the round of 16, and produced their finest display to overcome title holders Côte d'Ivoire 3-2 in the quarter-finals.
Coach Hassan attributed the loss to Senegal to injuries and fatigue, though he praised the players for their performances throughout the tournament, hailing Egyptian supporters for backing the team.
"I am satisfied with our performance in the tournament. We have a strong team, and this tournament is the best preparation for the World Cup," Hassan said during the pre-match press conference on Friday.
"I believe the Egyptians, despite their sadness over the semi-final match, are happy to have a good national team,” he added.
Egypt will be without defender Mohamed Hamdy, who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Benin, injured left-back Ahmed Fatouh and suspended duo centre-back Hossam Abdel-Maguid and midfielder Marwan Attia.
The Pharaohs will take confidence from a 2-1 friendly victory over Nigeria in Cairo on 16 December, which marked their first win over the Super Eagles in nearly a decade.
On the other hand, Nigeria, still reeling from losing the 2023 final and failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, grew into this tournament and were its highest scorers with 14 goals before the semi-finals.
The Super Eagles have a strong history in third-place playoffs, winning the match a record eight times.
They will be without suspended defender Calvin Bassey and injured striker Cyriel Dessers, but will welcome back Wilfred Ndidi from suspension.
The game marks the 12th AFCON meeting between both sides, with Egypt having won three, lost five, and drawn three. Their most recent encounter was during the 2021 edition, where Nigeria claimed a slime 1-0 win in the group stage.
The tournament concludes with Sunday’s final between Morocco and Senegal.
Check the AFCON matches and standings
Check the AFCON stats
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)