Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s national team is preparing for a reshuffled starting lineup when it faces Angola in the third and final round of the group stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, currently being held in Morocco. According to reports from On Sport, the technical staff is leaning toward making five to six changes to the starting XI, as head coach Hassam Hassan looks to balance competitiveness with player fitness ahead of the knockout stages.
The anticipated changes come amid a congested match schedule and growing concern over player fatigue. Hassan is reportedly considering resting several key players, most notably team captain Mohamed Salah, in order to avoid physical overload and potential injuries. The decision reflects a broader rotation policy aimed at keeping the squad fresh and fully prepared for the decisive rounds of the tournament.
Midfielder Marwan Attia is also among the players likely to be rested, as part of a calculated approach to managing workloads across the 28-man squad. With qualification scenarios taking shape and Egypt already building momentum, the coaching staff appears focused on long-term tournament success rather than short-term risk.
Egypt will take the field against Angola wearing their traditional white shirt and shorts, paired with black socks, in what will be their final group-stage appearance. While the match remains important from a competitive standpoint, it also offers an opportunity to test squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Confidence After South Africa Victory
The planned rotation follows Egypt’s narrow but significant 1–0 victory over South Africa, a result that boosted morale and reinforced the team’s growing cohesion under Hassam Hassan. Speaking after the match, the Egypt coach praised both the players’ effort and the support from fans in the stands.
“I thank the Egyptian, Moroccan, and Arab fans for their constant support,” Hassan said. “I also thank the players for the tremendous effort they made.”
Hassan described the win as a hard-earned three points against a strong opponent, reiterating his pre-match assessment that South Africa possess quality and experience. He stressed that the performance reflected the character of Egyptian players, particularly in difficult moments.
“The true character of the Egyptian player shows in tough situations,” he noted. “The players lived up to the responsibility.”
Respect for Officiating and African Football’s Growth
The Egypt coach also addressed refereeing decisions, making it clear that he has full confidence in African officials and avoids commenting on their calls.
“I have no comment on refereeing decisions,” Hassan said. “I trust the referees of the continent and the tournament.”
Looking beyond the immediate result, Hassan emphasized that his ultimate objective is to bring joy to Egyptian fans and to compete seriously for the title. He added that every match is treated as a final, especially given the rapid development of African football in recent years, driven by professionalism and the increasing presence of African players in top global leagues.
As Egypt prepares to face Angola, the focus inside the camp appears to be on smart management rather than complacency. With depth across multiple positions and growing confidence after back-to-back strong performances, the Pharaohs are aiming to enter the knockout stages both physically fresh and mentally sharp, an approach that could prove decisive in their quest for continental glory.
