File Photo: Egypt s forward Mohamed Salah (R) and Egypt s midfielder Mahmoud Trezeguet Hassan (L) celebrate after a goal during the 2022 Qatar World Cup African Qualifiers football match between Egypt and Senegal at Cairo International Stadium in the Egyptian capital on March 25, 2022. AFP
This generation that took over from Egypt’s golden boys of Mohamed Abou-Treika, Ahmad Hassan, Essam El-Hadary, and Wael Gomaa, who achieved an unprecedented treble between 2006 and 2010, has never had a taste of glory in Africa’s elite.
They came close twice, but their dreams crashed against the host country, Cameroon, in 2017, and their nemesis, Senegal, in 2021.
"We have a strong team, and we are well-prepared for AFCON. This generation is ready to overcome all obstacles to win the cup. We lost in the final twice, and we don't want to experience that disappointment again," said winger Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan.
For many players in this generation who have crossed the thirty-year mark, this might be their last chance. "I want to win this competition. We promise to do our best to win the title. It's a tremendous feeling of pride to represent our country, and I hope we will honour it by bringing home the trophy," Salah told reporters during a training camp in Egypt on 6 January.
Since his debut in the competition in 2017, Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in 64% of Egypt’s goals at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (6 goals + 3 assists, out of a team total of 14 goals).
The seven-time African champions are a classic favourite for the title but has been in a drought since their last victory in 2010.
Coaches such as Shawky Gharib, Hector Cuper, Hossam El-Badri, Carlos Queiroz, and Ehab Galal have been succeeding in commands but weren’t able to return home the trophy.
Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria seems to have put the team back on track since his arrival in July 2022. In 13 matches, the Pharaohs have won 11, drawn one, and lost one. Offensively, the team is performing well with 31 goals scored, averaging 2.38 goals per match, thanks to the prowess of King Salah, Nantes' striker Mostafa Mohamed, Eintracht Frankfurt's dazzling striker Omar Marmoush, and the in-form Trezeguet.
The defence has also significantly improved, conceding only 6 goals in the 13 matches. "We have a talented team, which helps us score a lot of goals in matches. I am satisfied with this phenomenon, but it is crucial to have a balanced approach. We must also defend well and play as a block to impose our game," Vitoria explained in a press conference last October.
An experienced squad
The Pharaohs' coach has called upon all his experienced players for his biggest challenge since taking over the team. Out of the 27 players selected for the trip to Cote d’Ivoire, only six players haven’t had a taste of Africa’s top football. Defenders Ahmed Sami, Yasser Ibrahim, and Mohamed Hany, midfielders Marwan Attia and Mahmoud Hamada, and winger Mostafa Fathi will make their debut in this 34th edition.
Vitoria had to make a last-minute change by calling up Yasser Ibrahim and Mohanad Lachine to replace the injured Osama Galal and Ahmed Nabil, respectively. Their absence may not have a significant impact since, despite being revelations of the new season, the duo are not regular starters in Vitoria’s lineup.
The squad is mainly composed of European-based players and experienced elements. Ittihad Jeddah defender and vice-captain Ahmed Hegazi recovered from a cruciate ligament injury in time to rejoin the group before the AFCON. However, Zamalek defender Mahmoud “El Wensh” Hamdi has not been fit for the tournament.
Egypt will kick off its campaign against Mozambique on Sunday, followed by matches against Ghana, a four-time African champion, on 18 January, and concluding the group stage against Cape Verde on 22 January.
"African football has developed a lot, and there are no more small teams. Our group is tough because, in addition to Ghana with all its stars, Mozambique and Cape Verde have many players in Europe and Portugal. I know them well, and I know they are also good teams. We have a good team. I can't promise you the title, but I can tell you that we will do our best to play 7 matches in Ivory Coast," said Vitoria.
‘Our main target is to win the African Cup of Nations title. I believe in my players and our work and every game will be like a final for us,” Vitoria said in the pre-game press conference.
The Pharaohs will kick off their campaign against Mozambique on Sunday but the most important is to finish it on 11 February.
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