Egypt deny Ibrahim Hassan abused players after Angola draw

Egypt have rejected claims that national team director Ibrahim Hassan insulted players during or after their goalless draw with Angola in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Egypt media officer Mohamed Mourad said there was “absolutely no truth” in reports that Ibrahim Hassan had abused or sworn at members of the squad.

“ I categorically deny what has been reported about Ibrahim Hassan, the national team director, insulting or abusing the players during or after the Angola match,” Mourad said in a statement sent to journalists.

Egypt began their qualifying campaign with a 0-0 draw against Angola in their opening Group [sic] match.

Mourad also dismissed suggestions of a disagreement involving head coach Hossam Hassan and captain Mohamed Salah after video footage showed the pair together on the substitutes’ bench during the match.

“Videos appeared showing Hossam Hassan and Mohamed Salah together on the substitutes’ bench during the game, but no argument took place,” he said.

He added that the coaching staff did not hold a meeting with the players immediately after the match. Instead, the staff remained in a small room at Cairo International Stadium while the players went to the dressing room.

The team then travelled to their hotel, where Hossam Hassan met the squad during a meal and offered his support.

“Hossam Hassan was keen to support the players and raise their morale,” Mourad said.

He also denied reports of unrest within the squad or claims that groups of players had agreed to boycott future Egypt camps.

“There is no anger and no agreement between groups of players to boycott joining the Egypt national team from the next camp,” he said.

Egypt responded to the draw against Angola by beating South Sudan 5-0 in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

Omar Marmoush scored twice, while Zico, Ibrahim Adel and Hamza Abdelkarim also found the net.

The victory moved Egypt on to four points in the group.