Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan was involved in a tense exchange with a Moroccan journalist during Friday’s press conference ahead of the third-place match against Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Egyptian national team is set to face Nigeria on Saturday in the playoff to determine third place at the tournament.
The controversy began when a Moroccan journalist questioned Hassan’s comments following Egypt’s semi-final defeat to Senegal.
The journalist asked, “Are you blaming the loss against Senegal on things other than football? You also benefited from being in Agadir and commented that the hotel in Tangier was not up to standard. I think you should tell the truth to the Egyptian people and say that you were technically weak and failed in the semi-finals.”
Hassan responded sharply to the question, dismissing it as inappropriate.
“There is no answer to you because your question is not polite and (disrespectful), as you do not have the politeness of the media,” the coach said strongly.
A second Moroccan journalist then attempted to intervene, saying, “Perhaps I will ask a more polite and respectful question because your statements after the last match caused a stir in Egypt before Morocco,” to which Hassan replied, “No, the stir is with you, Egypt has no stir.”
The exchange continued when the journalist pressed further, asking, “My question is, do you think it is more appropriate to talk about the fact that we did not see the Egyptian national team take its first shot until the 84th minute? Who forced the Egyptian national team to be late in travelling from Agadir to Tangier when they could have travelled after the match?”
Hassan appeared visibly frustrated by the line of questioning and responded by saying, “I don’t understand your question, I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
Away from the controversy, Hossam Hassan and his Egyptian players areready for Saturday’s clash against Nigeria.
