A single photo from training cooled the rumors around Hossam Hassan and Emam Ashour and brought calm back to the Pharaohs camp.
Talk had spread after Egypt’s opener at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco that Emam Ashour was unhappy with his early substitution against Zimbabwe. The midfielder started the match but left the pitch after 32 minutes when Mostafa Mohamed came on. The change raised questions online and added noise to a night that ended with a narrow but important win.
Hossam Hassan later offered context and stressed that the decision was technical. He noted that Ashour had just returned from a long absence and that the pressure of conceding made the moment difficult for him. The message was simple, protect the player and protect the team.
On Wednesday evening the Egyptian Football Association shared a photo from training that told its own story. Hassan is seen hugging Ashour, smiling, relaxed and clearly aligned.
Egypt beat Zimbabwe 2 1 in their first Group B game and now turn attention to Friday’s clash with South Africa very early.
