Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s national football team has made an assured start to its Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign, finishing top of Group B and advancing to the round of 16 unbeaten after the conclusion of the group stage in Morocco.
The Pharaohs collected seven points from three matches against Zimbabwe, South Africa and Angola, underlining their status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders. Egypt secured two victories and one draw, scoring three goals and conceding none, a return that places them among the most efficient sides in the opening phase of the competition.
Group-stage record:
- Matches played: 3
- Wins: 2
- Draws: 1
- Losses: 0
- Goals scored: 3
By clinching first place in their group, Egypt laid down an early marker in their quest for a record-extending eighth AFCON title. The solid defensive displays and disciplined performances have given supporters reason for optimism as the knockout rounds approach.
Following the goalless draw against Angola in the final group match, head coach Hossam Hassan expressed satisfaction with his players’ overall performance. He congratulated the Egyptian public on qualification to the last 16 and stressed that his full focus remains on the interests of the team and its supporters, brushing aside any external doubts about the squad’s capabilities.
Hassan explained that the match against Angola was used strategically, allowing him to test several players and rest others. He noted that Egypt’s squad includes 28 players currently in Morocco and said he is keen to give as many of them as possible an opportunity to contribute as the tournament progresses.
“The important thing is that we achieved our objective,” Hassan said, emphasizing that while performance matters, winning remains the priority in tournaments of this level. He added that the competition is still in its early stages and promised improvements in Egypt’s level of play in the matches ahead.
As the knockout phase begins, Egypt will look to build on a steady and controlled group-stage showing, combining experience with squad depth as they pursue continental glory once again.
