Egypt coach Hossam Hassan underlined the importance of facing South Africa on Friday in the second round of Group B at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
He stressed that Egypt is chasing a second straight victory after beating Zimbabwe 2–1, which would secure early qualification for the last 16. South Africa also started with a 2–1 win over Angola, adding extra weight to this clash.
Hassan said every game is crucial and that his staff studies each opponent carefully, noting that South Africa’s style resembles Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, teams Egyptian clubs know well.
He thanked Egyptian and Moroccan fans for their strong support and said the squad feels at home in what he described as a “brotherly” country.
The coach firmly defended goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, saying he is one of the best in Africa and that he trusts all his players, especially the goalkeepers. He revealed that the fitness of Mostafa Mohamed and Mohamed Hamdy, both carrying knocks from the Zimbabwe match, will be decided after Thursday’s training.
Hassan added that Emam Ashour is a great player and explained that his substitution against Zimbabwe was purely tactical to introduce a natural striker after conceding. He also recalled Egypt’s triumph over South Africa in the 1998 AFCON final, hoping to repeat that success, while warning that this tournament is tough but insisting Egypt fears no one.
