After a tumultuous start to 2024, Egypt’s national football team has begun a remarkable turnaround under the charismatic leadership of Hossam Hassan. From struggles in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to strong performances in World Cup qualifiers, the Pharaohs are on a mission to reclaim their place as African football giants.
AFCON Disappointment and a Turning Point
Egypt’s TotalEnergies AFCON campaign began on a rocky path, failing to secure a win during the group stages. Three consecutive 2-2 draws against Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Ghana saw them scrape into the knockout rounds as group runners-up.
In the round of 16, heartbreak struck as Egypt fell to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a penalty shootout. After a 1-1 draw, a tense shootout ended 8-7 in favor of Congo, with goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal missing a crucial penalty. Lionel Mbassi Nzau sealed Egypt’s exit, marking one of the Pharaohs’ most disappointing AFCON runs.
The early exit led to the dismissal of head coach Rui Vitoria. Hossam Hassan, known for his inspirational leadership, was appointed to revive Egypt’s fortunes. Drawing comparisons to legendary coaches Mahmoud El-Gohary and Hassan Shehata, Hassan reignited hope among fans.
Renewed Spirit in Qualifiers
Hassan’s tenure began with Egypt finishing as runners-up in a FIFA Series tournament in Cairo, where they defeated New Zealand 1-0 but lost to Croatia in the final. However, the real transformation came in the qualifiers for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Morocco.
Under Hassan, the Pharaohs displayed dominant form: a 3-0 victory over Cape Verde, a 4-0 thrashing of Botswana, and consecutive clean-sheet wins against Mauritania. Star players Mahmoud Trezeguet and Mohamed Salah spearheaded the team’s resurgence, with Salah’s precision and Trezeguet’s dynamism shining brightly.
While Egypt ended the qualifiers with draws against Cape Verde and Botswana, they secured their place in the tournament, building momentum and confidence for the challenges ahead.
World Cup Qualifiers: A Strong Start
The Pharaohs carried their form into the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Initial matches under Rui Vitoria included a stunning 6-0 demolition of Djibouti, featuring four goals from Salah, and a 2-0 win over Sierra Leone.
Hassan’s arrival brought renewed vigor, with a 2-1 win against Burkina Faso and a resilient 1-1 draw against Guinea-Bissau further showcasing the team’s grit. With 10 points from four matches, Egypt currently tops Group A and is well-positioned to secure their fourth World Cup qualification.
Ranking Resilience and Future Aspirations
Despite their challenges early in the year, Egypt maintained their global ranking at 33rd, reflecting their steady resurgence under Hassan. The team’s consistent performances have restored fans’ belief in their potential to shine on the international stage.
The Road Ahead
The Pharaohs face crucial World Cup qualifiers in March 2025 against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone. With eyes set on excelling at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Morocco and qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Egypt’s journey is far from over.
Under Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs are determined to rewrite their narrative, restore their legacy, and fulfill the dreams of millions of passionate supporters. The road to revival is long, but Egypt’s resilience and determination suggest that brighter days lie ahead.
