Former Egypt defender Wael Gomaa strongly criticized the way Hossam Hassan and some members of the national team reacted following their 1–0 loss to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations semi‑final in Morocco.
Speaking on beIN Sports, Gomaa said that the comments made after the game did not reflect well on a team with Egypt’s history and reputation.
Gomaa explained that both officials and certain players mishandled the aftermath of the defeat by giving statements he described as regrettable. He said: “What happened was regrettable, and it is not befitting of the Egyptian national team that we constantly have to point out the seven Africa Cup of Nations titles won by the Pharaohs.” In his view, repeatedly pointing to Egypt’s seven Africa Cup titles is not the right way to respond to setbacks on the pitch.
Using a powerful image to defend the team’s status, Gomaa added: “The sun cannot be covered up, and the Egyptian national team is like the shining sun for the African continent, therefore we should not constantly talk about this point because it diminishes us and not the other way around.”
For him, Egypt’s legacy speaks for itself, and over‑emphasizing past trophies can actually diminish the team rather than elevate it.
Gomaa also argued that Hossam Hassan’s words and gestures helped fuel hostility from Moroccan fans during the later stages of the tournament. He considered it natural that supporters in Morocco would not cheer for Egypt deep into the competition, given that Morocco were fighting for the title and Egypt are one of their biggest rivals in African football.
At the same time, he criticized the behavior of some Moroccan journalists, saying their attempts to provoke Hossam Hassan were unnecessary because journalists are not meant to be direct parties in such tensions.
Gomaa’s comments ultimately called for more composure, respect, and responsibility from everyone representing Egypt on and off the pitch, to match the team’s historic stature in Africa.
