Egypt national team coach Hossam Hassan revealed the five goals he set for the Pharaohs during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reflecting both ambition and long-term planning despite Egypt finishing fourth.
Hassan explained that the first objective was to reach the AFCON finals without defeat. They lost 1-0 to Senegal in the semifinals and lost on penalties to Nigeria in the 3rd place match.
The second goal, which he described as the most difficult, was securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Drawn in a challenging group of six teams, Egypt qualified convincingly, finishing five points ahead of the second-place team, an achievement Hassan stressed was not by chance.
The third target focused on competing strongly at the Africa Cup of Nations itself. Hassan noted that the tournament featured a record number of African players competing professionally in Europe, raising both technical and physical standards.
Despite initial skepticism about Egypt’s chances, the team became the first to reach the round of 16, overcoming Benin and later defeating defending champions Ivory Coast before being eliminated by Senegal.
Hassan acknowledged the impact of unequal rest periods, which he said affected player performance during the later stages.
The fourth goal was ensuring proper preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Hassan emphasized the need for coordinated efforts involving the technical staff, the Egyptian Football Association, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to bridge physical and tactical gaps with top international teams.
He highlighted the importance of providing domestic and international players with the right environment to succeed on the global stage.
Hassan’s fifth objective was updating the national team and establishing a stable pool of players. He involved 26 of 28 squad members during the tournament to gain experience, including goalkeepers who might otherwise not have played.
Hassan described this as vital for introducing fresh talent, creating depth, and ensuring the team remains competitive under any coach.
Beyond the national team, Hassan called for improvements in the Egyptian domestic league, including reducing the number of foreign players to three per club, providing opportunities to youth players, and encouraging greater fan attendance.
He also praised Morocco for its organization of the tournament, highlighting the high-quality infrastructure and security that matched European standards.
Hassan concluded that, despite narrowly missing out on the title, the team’s performance demonstrated resilience, national pride, and the ability to compete against physically and technically superior opponents.
The five goals outlined, he believes, will guide Egypt’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup and the continued growth of football in the country.
