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Pharaohs of Egypt head coach, Hossam Hassan, has claimed that other African nations are envious of Egypt’s record seven Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles.
Hassan also criticised the AFCON organisers, accusing the tournament of treating his team unfairly. He argued that Egypt was disadvantaged by the fixture schedule and suggested that envy over their success may have played a role.
“Egypt does not need excuses or apologies. Egypt is great, and no one will dare to win seven titles like us,” Hassan said.
He raised concerns about rest periods, saying Egypt were not given the same recovery time as their opponents. He questioned the decision to have his team play a day later, while Senegal played the semi-final on the same pitch.
“By what FIFA law is what happened to the Egypt team allowed? When a team reaches the semi-finals, do you honour it or torture it?” he asked. Hassan insisted that all teams should have been given equal rest to ensure a fair and competitive semi-final, adding that Egypt was the only side placed at a disadvantage.
Hassan also addressed chants from the stands during the match, saying he instructed his players to ignore them and remain focused.
“We are Arabs of Africa, and Egypt is great—the mother of the Arabs and the mother of Africa in terms of history and titles—and everyone is jealous,” he said.
Egypt will now aim to finish the AFCON 2025 tournament on a high note when they face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the third-place playoff on Saturday. Ahead of the competition, Hassan’s side had defeated Nigeria 2–1 in a pre-tournament friendly in Cairo.
