Ibrahim Adel issued a heartfelt apology to the Egyptian people after the Pharaohs’ 1–0 defeat to Senegal in the AFCON 2025 semi-final in Morocco.
The UAE-based Al Jazira winger came on and could not help Egypt overturn Sadio Mane’s decisive goal.
Speaking on television after the game, Adel said the players felt deep regret about the result, admitting they had been “hoping to snatch the ticket” to the final. He stressed that the team had entered the tournament dreaming of lifting the trophy, not playing in the third-place playoff. Nevertheless, he vowed that Egypt would now try to secure the bronze medal to salvage some pride from their campaign.
Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir also commented, saying the squad had aimed to be crowned champions but accepted that fate had gone against them in the semi-final.
Senegal’s win booked their place in Sunday’s final against the winner of Morocco vs Nigeria, while Egypt must quickly regroup for Saturday’s third-place match, hoping to give their supporters one last positive moment in Morocco.
