Egypt, seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, enter the 2019 AFCON as one of the tournament’s serious contenders. Following a disappointing World Cup campaign, the Pharaohs underwent a major transformation, replacing Argentinian coach Hector Cuper with Mexican Javier Aguirre. Aguirre has introduced a new playing philosophy centered on attractive, attacking football, often described as jogo bonito, which has reinvigorated the team and helped maintain Egypt’s record of qualifying for the AFCON finals 23 times.
In the 2019 AFCON qualifying campaign, Egypt finished second in Group J behind Tunisia with 13 points, scoring 16 goals while conceding only five. These statistics reflect the team’s renewed balance and attacking prowess under Aguirre, who has emphasized offensive creativity combined with defensive discipline. The Pharaohs now exhibit the confidence and cohesion necessary to challenge for the continental title, demonstrating that the overhaul of both tactics and mindset has paid off.
A key factor in Egypt’s strength is the presence of world-class talent, led by Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah. Salah’s speed, technical ability, and scoring prowess make him the team’s primary attacking threat and a player capable of deciding matches on his own. Alongside him, Egypt can rely on solid defensive and midfield performers, including Ahmed Hegazi of West Bromwich Albion, Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, and Greek club Atromitos’ Amr Warda. This blend of experience, skill, and versatility gives Egypt a well-rounded squad capable of adapting to different tactical challenges during the tournament.
Egypt also brings a strong historical pedigree to the competition, particularly when playing at home. In the four AFCON tournaments hosted on Egyptian soil (1959, 1974, 1986, and 2006), the Pharaohs consistently performed well, winning the championship three times (1959, 1986, and 2006) and finishing third in 1974. This tradition of success on home soil demonstrates the team’s resilience and ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations, reinforcing their reputation as one of Africa’s most formidable national sides.
Looking ahead to the 2019 edition, Egypt opens its campaign on June 21 against Zimbabwe. The match will set the tone for the Pharaohs’ tournament and provide an early test of their attacking and defensive strategies under Aguirre. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the team can combine individual brilliance with collective cohesion to challenge for the trophy once again.
With a revitalized squad, a renewed attacking philosophy, and some of Africa’s top talents, Egypt enters the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with both confidence and ambition. The combination of historical pedigree, tactical evolution, and star power positions the Pharaohs as genuine contenders, and football enthusiasts will be eager to witness whether Egypt can produce a spectacular performance and add to their storied legacy in African football.
