After a turbulent begin to 2024, Egypt’s nationwide soccer workforce has turned a nook, showcasing resilience and willpower beneath the management of Hossam Hassan.
From early setbacks within the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to regaining their footing in World Cup qualifiers, the Pharaohs are on a journey of revival, striving to reclaim their place as African soccer giants.
A Disappointing TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Marketing campaign
Egypt’s TotalEnergies AFCON journey started on a shaky observe earlier within the 12 months, with the workforce failing to safe a win within the group phases. Three consecutive 2-2 attracts in opposition to Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Ghana left them second of their group, barely scraping into the knockout rounds.
Their round-of-16 encounter in opposition to the Democratic Republic of Congo led to heartbreak, with a 7-8 loss on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal’s penalty miss was compounded by Lionel Mbassi Nzau’s decisive kick, sealing Egypt’s exit.
This dismal efficiency led to the dismissal of coach Rui Vitoria, with Hossam Hassan stepping in to take the reins. Recognized for his charismatic management, Hassan’s appointment introduced hope of replicating the profitable eras beneath Mahmoud El-Gohary and Hassan Shehata.
Qualifiers Rekindle Egypt’s Spirit
Hassan’s period started promisingly, with Egypt ending as runners-up in a FIFA Sequence match in Cairo, beating New Zealand 1-0 earlier than falling to Croatia within the remaining. The true check got here within the qualifiers for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Morocco, the place the workforce rediscovered their kind.
A sequence of commanding victories outlined Egypt’s marketing campaign: a 3-0 win over Cape Verde, a 4-0 rout of Botswana, and two clean-sheet triumphs in opposition to Mauritania.
Standout performances from Mahmoud Trezeguet and Mohamed Salah highlighted the workforce’s potential, with Salah’s precision and Trezeguet’s dynamism driving the Pharaohs ahead.
Regardless of ending the qualifiers with attracts in opposition to Cape Verde and Botswana, Egypt secured their place in Morocco, constructing confidence for the long run.
Robust Begin in World Cup Qualifiers
Egypt carried their momentum into the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Their opening matches, beneath former coach Rui Vitoria, included a 6-0 demolition of Djibouti–featuring 4 objectives from Salah–and a 2-0 win over Sierra Leone.
Hassan’s arrival infused the workforce with renewed vitality. A tough-fought 2-1 victory in opposition to Burkina Faso demonstrated their grit, whereas a 1-1 draw with Guinea-Bissau showcased their means to get better from setbacks.
With 10 factors from 4 matches, Egypt sits atop Group A, edging nearer to their fourth World Cup qualification.
Rating Resilience
Regardless of their early-year challenges, Egypt maintained their international rating at thirty third, reflecting the workforce’s upward trajectory beneath Hassan.
The Pharaohs’ constant performances in qualifiers have reinvigorated followers’ perception of their potential to shine on the world stage.
The Street Forward
Egypt’s journey continues with two essential World Cup qualifiers in March 2025, in opposition to Ethiopia and Sierra Leone.
With their eyes set firmly on qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and excelling on the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Morocco, the Pharaohs goal to cement their legacy and fulfill the goals of their passionate supporters.
