AFCON 2025: Omar Marmoush sets the tone as Egypt target continental glory

Omar Marmoush has left little room for doubt about Egypt’s intentions ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, delivering a bold and uncompromising message as the Pharaohs prepare for the tournament in Morocco.

Speaking at a press conference, the Manchester City forward made it clear that Egypt’s ambitions extend far beyond mere participation.

With calm assurance and striking confidence, Marmoush outlined a vision in which the seven-time champions approach the competition with a single objective, lifting the trophy.

We’re going to win the AFCON, then we’ll go and win the World Cup, he said, setting an ambitious tone that immediately captured attention.

The statement was not framed as bravado, but rather as a reflection of belief within the squad and a reminder of Egypt’s historical standing in African football.

Marmoush was keen to stress that the Africa Cup of Nations is the immediate priority, even as long-term global ambitions remain firmly in view.

For him, the tournament represents an opportunity to reaffirm Egypt’s status at the top of the continental hierarchy.

We want to show a good image of ourselves; we can also dream of winning the tournament or reaching a certain stage. We’re not going there just to say, ‘We went to the World Cup,’ and that’s it, he explained.

Those words underline a mentality shaped by expectation rather than hope.

Egypt arrive at the tournament aware of the weight of their past successes, but also conscious of the need to translate pedigree into present-day results.

Marmoush made no attempt to soften that reality, instead embracing it openly.

Confidence in the squad was another recurring theme of his remarks.

The forward highlighted the blend of experience and quality within the team, arguing that Egypt possess everything required to dominate the competition.

With the players, the team, and the quality we have, and as the Egyptian national team, we are the best team in Africa, he stated.

Such a declaration inevitably invites scrutiny, but Marmoush appeared comfortable with the pressure that follows.

For him, expectation is not a burden but a standard that must be upheld.

He also extended his outlook beyond the African stage, insisting that major tournaments should always be approached with ambition rather than caution.

And, you go to the World Cup to get through the group stage, to show the world who you are, not just to be there… he added.

Egypt’s task in Morocco will be anything but straightforward.

Drawn in Group B, the Pharaohs will face Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe, a trio of opponents well-versed in the demands of African competition.

Each presents a different challenge, ensuring that Egypt will need to be sharp from the outset to justify their billing as favourites.

For all the confidence expressed, Marmoush acknowledged implicitly that words alone will not be enough.

The Africa Cup of Nations has a long history of humbling even the most decorated sides, and reputation offers no guarantees once the tournament begins.

Still, the message from Egypt’s camp is unmistakable.

This is a team arriving with belief, ambition and a clear sense of purpose.

Marmoush has set the benchmark publicly; the challenge now is for the Pharaohs to meet it on the pitch.