Egyptian national team coach Javier Aguirre has officially unveiled his list of 25 players selected to represent the Pharaohs at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament Egypt will host and where expectations are extremely high. As always with squad announcements, the list has generated both satisfaction and surprise, particularly because of several high-profile absences.
Among the most notable omissions is Ramadan Sobhi. The former Stoke City winger had recently returned to Egypt to join Al Ahly, with the clear objective of getting more playing time in order to be fully prepared for the AFCON. Despite this move and his ambition to regain a central role with the national team, Aguirre ultimately chose not to include him in his final selection. Another striking absentee is Mahmoud “Karhaba”, who is currently involved in the CAF Confederation Cup final with Zamalek. His exclusion has also raised questions, given his experience and impact in domestic and continental competitions.
Despite these decisions, the backbone of the Egyptian squad remains firmly in place. All the key figures are present, starting with captain Ahmed Elmohamady, midfield general Mohamed Elneny, and, of course, global superstar Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool forward will once again carry the hopes of an entire nation, eager to see its team reclaim continental glory on home soil.
One of the most emotional moments of this squad announcement is the return of Ahmed Ali to the national team. Eight years after his last appearance for Egypt, the striker has earned a recall thanks to his outstanding form with Arab Contractors, where he currently leads the Egyptian league scoring charts with 18 goals. His comeback is widely seen as a reward for consistency and perseverance, and he will be expected to provide an additional attacking option alongside Salah, Marwan Mohsen, and Ahmed “Kouka” Hassan.
In goal, Aguirre has opted for experience and stability, selecting Ahmed El Shenawy (Pyramids FC), Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), and Mahmoud Abdel Rehem “Genesh” (Zamalek). The defensive line combines local and international experience, featuring Premier League-based duo Elmohamady and Ahmed Hegazi, alongside players from Egypt’s top clubs such as Zamalek, Al Ahly, Ismaily, and Pyramids FC.
The midfield department is particularly strong, blending creativity, power, and versatility. Alongside Elneny, Aguirre has called up Abdallah El-Said, Tarek Hamed, Walid Soliman, Nabil Emad, and attacking midfielders Trezeguet and Amr Warda, both of whom have impressed abroad.
As part of their final preparations, the Pharaohs will play two friendly matches: Tanzania on June 16 and Guinea on June 19. These games will allow Aguirre to fine-tune his tactical choices and assess his squad in competitive conditions before the tournament kicks off.
Drawn in Group A alongside DR Congo, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, Egypt enters the competition as the overwhelming favorite. Playing at home, with a squad rich in experience and talent, the Pharaohs will aim not only to progress from the group but to go all the way and add an eighth African title to their illustrious history.
