Egypt ready for any AFCON rival, asserts Hassan
Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan affirmed that his team is equipped to take on any rival as they look to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations title.
Egypt secured their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Benin following extra time, with Yasser Ibrahim and Mohamed Salah finding the net after Jodel Dossou equalized Marwan Attia’s initial goal.
Salah notched his 10th goal in the AFCON, making him the third-highest scorer for Egypt in the tournament’s history, trailing Hassan (11) and Hassan El-Shazly (12).
Having already scored three times, Salah is experiencing his most effective AFCON in terms of goals (two in 2017, 2019, and 2021).
In the last eight, Egypt will meet either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso, although they will miss Mohamed Hamdy, who sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Hassan expressed his satisfaction with Egypt’s triumph over Benin before mentioning that his team is ready to confront anyone as they pursue continental success.
“I dedicate this victory to the Egyptian fans,” Hassan remarked. “Simultaneously, I am very saddened by Mohamed Hamdy’s ACL injury. He is a vital player for us.”
The dream’s alive. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/n66t92fpMB
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 5, 2026
“We are pleased with the win and our qualification. This is one of the toughest AFCON tournaments in recent times. Benin are a commendable team and performed admirably. As I often say, there are no simple matches in Africa.
“I hold all teams in high regard, but as Egypt, our goal has always been to win and contend for the title.
“Football does not acknowledge history. It acknowledges what happens on the field. Our players have displayed remarkable spirit, and I thank them for everything they have contributed thus far in this tournament.”
Published: 2026-01-05 22:42:00
source: www.soccernews.com
