Hossam Hassan, Egypt’s national team head coach, rallied fans ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Sierra Leone in the sixth round of Group A for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set for Cairo International Stadium.
Fresh off a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia on Friday at Arab Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, the Pharaohs tightened their grip on the group lead with 13 points, five ahead of Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso.
“We play to win every match, and the most important thing for us is to get the three points and consolidate our lead in the group,” Hossam Hassan told the Egyptian Football Association’s media center.
“My message to the fans is that we are waiting for them to attend the Sierra Leone match and fill the Cairo Stadium to capacity,” he urged.
“African football is changing, and there are small teams that are developing for the better. Therefore, the match against Ethiopia was difficult, and their opponents played well.”
Despite missed chances, he praised his squad’s effort. “We wasted more than one clear opportunity due to bad luck, and I thank the players for their effort during the match,” he said.
“I thank Morocco for the warm reception and hospitality in this match.” The game was moved to Morocco as Ethiopia’s stadiums fell short of FIFA and CAF standards.
