Pharaohs Top Group B Unbeaten, Satisfied with Debutants’ Performances.

Hossam Hassan

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has affirmed that the Pharaohs are fully prepared to take on any opponent in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The statement came following Egypt’s final Group B match, a goalless draw against Angola on December 29/30, 2025 which saw the seven-time champions finish atop the group with seven points (two wins, one draw). South Africa joined them in the knockouts after a 3-2 thriller over Zimbabwe.

In an interview with the Egyptian Football Association, Hassan – who lifted the trophy as a player in 1986, 1998, and 2006 – expressed confidence: “We are ready to face any team in the round of 16. The next stage will be tough, and the competition is strong. We will work on increasing the positives in the next match and correcting the negatives.”

The Angola fixture allowed Hassan to rotate and blood new faces, resting stars like Mohamed Salah. He was particularly pleased with the debutants: “I am satisfied with the performance of those who played for the first time in the Africa Cup of Nations. The aim of the Angola match was to test more players.”

Egypt’s group stage highlighted resilience – including a 1-0 win over South Africa sealed by Salah’s controversial penalty despite playing with 10 men. With qualification secured early, the focus now shifts to peaking for the knockouts.

As one of the favorites, the Pharaohs await the full draw but send a clear message: they’re fearless. Can Hassan guide them to an eighth title? The journey continues.