The Egypt national team received a major boost ahead of Saturday’s AFCON 2025 quarterfinal against Ivory Coast in Morocco, with midfielder Mohanad Laashin returning to full training.
Laashin had suffered a rib contusion during the final group game against Angola but took part normally in Wednesday evening’s session, confirming his readiness to reinforce the Pharaohs in the crucial clash.
Egypt reached the last eight after a 3–1 win over Benin in the round of 16, while defending champions Ivory Coast advanced by beating Burkina Faso 3–0. Laashin’s recovery helps offset growing fitness concerns in the squad, although there is also bad news on the injury front.
Left-back Mohamed Hamdy has been ruled out after rupturing his cruciate ligament in the Benin match and will travel to Germany shortly for knee surgery with a specialist surgeon. Winger Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet has started rehabilitation work following ankle ligament damage and is certain to miss the Ivory Coast game, but the coaching staff, led by Hossam Hassan, hope he can be ready for a possible semifinal if Egypt go through.
Wednesday’s training session was attended by Egyptian FA president Hany Abo Rida, board member and head of delegation Hamada El Sharbiny, and Mustafa Abou Zahra, adding further support before the high-stakes encounter.
