Former Egypt defender Wael Gomaa believes the national team’s home based players proved superior to their overseas professionals during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Egypt finished fourth after losing 4–2 on penalties to Nigeria in the third‑place match following a 0–0 draw.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS, Gomaa recalled that Egypt won three consecutive AFCON titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010 relying mainly on domestic league players. He argued that against Nigeria, where around 95% of the squad came from the Egyptian Premier League, the locals delivered a better overall level than the foreign‑based contingent.
Gomaa highlighted defender Yasser Ibrahim as Egypt’s standout performer at the tournament, stressing he is a local player and using him as an example of the quality available at home. He added that any player unwilling to give “150%” effort for the national team should not be called up.
Egypt’s AFCON squad included six players based abroad, led by Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed, Hamdi Fathi, Rami Rabia and Ibrahim Adel, but Gomaa insisted names and reputations matter less than pure commitment on the pitch.
