Tension dominated the pre match press conference for Egypt’s third place clash with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as Egyptian journalists staged a collective walkout in solidarity with head coach Hossam Hassan.
The briefing in Morocco quickly escalated after a Moroccan reporter accused Hassan of blaming Egypt’s 1-0 semi final defeat to Senegal on “other excuses” rather than acknowledging his own responsibility.
Hassan reacted angrily, stating that the journalist lacked professional manners and that the question was disrespectful, before refusing to answer him. The exchange prompted further interventions from other Moroccan media members, who criticized what they saw as previous indirect digs at Morocco from the Egyptian coach.
In response, Egyptian reporters present at the conference voiced their strong objection to the tone and content of some Moroccan questions, then decided to leave the room in protest at what they described as a “transgression” against the Pharaohs’ coach.
Egypt, beaten by Senegal in the semi final, now face Nigeria, who lost to hosts Morocco on penalties, in the playoff for third place on 17 January 2026.
