Hossam Hassan sets final-like tone as Egypt brace for Benin showdown at AFCON 2025

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has moved to sharpen focus and lower complacency ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16 clash against Benin, framing the contest as a decisive moment in the Pharaohs’ campaign.

Speaking in Agadir before Monday’s tie, Hassan made clear that preparation, mentality and respect for the opponent would define Egypt’s approach, regardless of pedigree or past achievements.

With knockout football allowing no margin for error, the coach’s message has been simple and uncompromising: treat Benin as if the trophy itself is on the line.

A final mindset for a knockout test

Hassan stressed that Egypt’s progress hinges on mentality as much as talent, insisting the team must narrow its focus exclusively to the immediate task.

“We must respect the opponent. I consider the Benin match to be an Africa Cup of Nations final, because if we approach it with this mindset, we will be able to achieve our objective. At the moment, I see only the Benin team, and the players understand this.”

He reinforced the point by acknowledging Benin’s merit in reaching the last 16, while underlining Egypt’s own stature.

“We respect the Benin national team. Any side that reaches this stage is a strong team and deserves respect, but we are also Egypt.”

Salah’s stature and the noise around the camp

Hassan also addressed Mohamed Salah’s standing and influence, pushing back against any suggestion that club matters or external speculation could dilute his importance.

“Salah has been among the best players in the world over the past 10 years. He is a very important player in global football and, for Egypt, he is capable of achieving records because he has ambition, personality and a special mentality. I hope he is always outstanding with us.”

He added context to Salah’s impact at club level, noting: “He is one of the main pillars at Liverpool in terms of numbers, goals and influence, and he has achieved many records there.”

On rumours surrounding team dinners and player welfare, Hassan dismissed distractions firmly.

“Our country takes care of the Egypt national team and its players. We have an administration that tries to keep the players comfortable… We are not concerned with what is said in this regard and we are used to rumours.”

Readiness, selection and shared belief

Turning to squad readiness, Hassan confirmed broad availability, with only Mohanad Lasheen continuing rehabilitation.

He also played down uncertainty over goalkeeping selection.

“We have four goalkeepers ready to play, and I trust them all. I reassure the Egyptian public that we have goalkeepers of the highest level.”

Winger Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet echoed the coach’s tone, reinforcing unity and purpose.

“It will be a very important match… It will certainly be a tough game.” He outlined the technical staff’s preparation and the team’s attacking intent, adding: “Missing chances happens in football, but we are working to avoid that… In the end, our goal is one, and we operate as one family inside the camp to fulfil the ambitions of the fans.”