A war of words has erupted between Egypt and Morocco, two football powerhouses considered favorites and rivals for the coveted title in Abidjan on February 11.
The verbal exchange began with Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, who, in an interview with regional daily La Provence on Wednesday, criticized Egypt’s playing style.
He specifically targeted what he perceived as Egypt’s minimalist approach, despite the team’s seven African Cup of Nations victories. Ounahi remarked, “Egypt, which has won seven AFCONs, does not produce a great game, but it is a team that manages.
You can dominate, but they can score the 1-0 goal from a set piece, and then one player falls to the right, another to the left…”
Responding to Ounahi’s comments, Egyptian striker Mostafa Mohamed, who boasts 33 caps and 8 goals, addressed the criticism during a press conference before Egypt’s match against Mozambique in Group B. Mohamed’s counter was direct and assertive: “I didn’t follow what Ounahi said.
We won seven AFCONs. Our goal is to win an eighth. I invite him to play like us and win trophies,” firmly stating his commitment to Egypt’s style of play and their pursuit of further success.
As tensions rise between the two North African football giants, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the on-field clashes that will unfold in the coming weeks, adding an extra layer of drama and rivalry to the highly anticipated AFCON 2023 tournament.
MOSTAFA MOHAMED RÉPOND À OUNAHI EN CONFÉRENCE DE PRESSE 👊🇲🇦🇪🇬
« Je n’ai pas suivi ce qu’a dit Ounahi, on a remporté 7 CAN, je l’invite à jouer comme nous et à remporter des trophées » 🥶#CAN2023| #AFCON2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/Sv2h1eD6Ta
— Onze Masr 🇪🇬 (@onzemasr) January 13, 2024
