Egyptian journalist Ahmed Moussa has demanded an official apology from Morocco after sections of the crowd whistled during Egypt’s national anthem before the AFCON 2025 third‑place match against Nigeria in Casablanca.
Egypt went on to lose 4–2 on penalties after a 0–0 draw, but the pre‑match atmosphere sparked just as much debate as the result.
Speaking on his TV show on Sada El Balad channel, Moussa said he was shocked to see some Moroccan fans booing and jeering while the Egyptian anthem was played, calling the behaviour inappropriate and disrespectful. He insisted the Moroccan Football Federation should issue a clear public apology for what happened.
Moussa stressed that all participating nations and their symbols must be respected, and regretted that “a small section” of supporters did not honour Egypt’s anthem.
The incident comes amid recent tensions involving Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and his brother Ibrahim, who have clashed verbally with some Moroccan fans and media, adding another sensitive layer around an AFCON hosted on Moroccan soil.
