Egypt’s semi final defeat to Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has sparked sharp criticism from veteran French coach Claude Le Roy, who openly mocked the Pharaohs’ performance and coach Hossam Hassan’s reaction.
Senegal reached the final with a narrow 1 0 win in Morocco, in a match where Egypt largely sat deep and managed only a single shot on target near the end of the game.
Le Roy was unimpressed not only by Egypt’s cautious approach, but also by Hassan’s angry comments after the final whistle, when the Egyptian coach blamed the loss on unfair conditions, including a late change of base camp and travel to a new city, as well as his frustration with the refereeing team. Hassan also reminded everyone that Egypt are record seven time continental champions and claimed that others “envy” this historic tally, insisting it is almost impossible for any nation to match that haul of titles.
Responding on French channel Canal+, Le Roy ridiculed Egypt’s showing, saying: “This match was like a confrontation between a university graduate and a student taking the primary school leaving certificate exam.”
His biting comparison summed up how far he felt Egypt lagged behind Senegal on the night, despite their illustrious history. Egypt now turn their focus to a third place playoff against Nigeria, which will be their final game of the 2025 tournament and a last chance to leave Morocco with a medal.
