Egypt head coach, Hossam Hassan, insists his outfit are ready to match any opponent in the round 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The Pharaohs, who are seeking for their eighth Africa Cup of Nations title has already booked a place in the last 16 following their impressive run at the tournament.
Egypt defeated Zimbabwe in their opening game at the tournament, before narrowly securing victory against South Africa, thanks to Mohammed Salah’s strike from the spot.
As the team gears up for their final group game against Angola, the former Ahly and Zamalek veteran striker has declared readiness for the round 16 games.
“The AFCON journey is still long, and African football is continuously improving. All the teams are strong and deliver great games,” Hassan said.
“Egyptian fans are responding to the players’ spirit and performance, and I am happy with their confidence. We are ready to face any team in the round of 16,” he concluded.
Egypt are chasing their eight AFCON title, having failed to lift the covetous trophy since 2010, where they narrowly defeated Ghana to secure it.
The Pharaohs failed to qualify for three consecutive editions in 2012, 2013, and 2015 before returning to the tournament and losing the 2017 final to Cameroon.
Egypt reached the final again in 2021 but were beaten by Senegal in a penalty shootout, and their most recent campaign ended in frustration with a round-of-16 exit in 2023.
According to Hassan, Egypt’s players are determined to satisfy the fans and meet their expectations.
“The national team has spirit and determination, which is normal for a team of our stature,” the coach said. “Our main target is to please the fans. We have big and talented players in our squad whose goal is to serve their country and fulfil the fans’ ambitions. The best and strongest is yet to come,” he added.
