Egyptian National Team at AFCON: a proud history of legends and Salah’s awaited dream
As the kickoff for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations approaches, the minds of Egyptian national team enthusiasts reflect on the golden history of the Pharaohs in this premier continental competition.
Widely considered the best and strongest within the African continent, Egypt’s national team has etched its name in the annals of football glory.
Recalling the memories of the golden generation that clinched the historic triple crown under the tutelage of the revered coach Hassan Shehata in 2006, 2008, and 2010, reveals a plethora of record-breaking achievements.
Egypt holds the record for the most African Cup of Nations titles, securing the coveted trophy seven times.
This remarkable feat places them ahead of football powerhouses like Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria, establishing Egypt as a dominant force in African football.
The journey of the Egyptian national team in the Africa Cup of Nations dates back to its inaugural edition in 1957 when they claimed the title.
Despite a subsequent dry spell until 1986, Egypt asserted its dominance by clinching the trophy for the third time, hosted on their home soil.
Experiencing a downturn from 1988 to 1996, marked by exits from group stages and quarterfinals, the Pharaohs, against the odds, made a triumphant return to the winner’s podium in 1998.
Led by the esteemed coach Mahmoud El-Gohary, Egypt secured their fourth title in a tournament where they were not considered favorites.
The first decade of the 21st century witnessed Egypt’s unprecedented success in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Clinching the championship consecutively from 2006 to 2010, they amassed a record seven titles, setting a new standard for African football.
However, Egypt faced a hiatus from the tournament from 2012 to 2015.
The team re-entered the African football arena in 2017, coming agonizingly close to their eighth title but narrowly losing to Cameroon in the final with a score of 1-2.
Egypt boasts the distinction of hosting the tournament five times, with three of those instances culminating in triumph.
The 2019 edition, hosted in Cairo, witnessed an unexpected setback for the Pharaohs, losing to South Africa in the Round of 16 despite winning all three group-stage matches.
In 2021, the Egyptian national team reached the final once again but fell short, succumbing to Senegal in a penalty shootout.
Despite this, Egypt’s rich history in the Africa Cup of Nations stands as a testament to their football prowess and resilience.
