Afcon 2025: Egypt, the team with the fewest expatriate players in the semifinals

14.01.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Senegal

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Egypt

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Egypt vs Senegal and Morocco vs Nigeria are the matchups for the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations – AFCON 2025.

Among the four teams still in contention for the trophy, Egypt stands out for relying heavily on homegrown talent. In fact, the Pharaohs have the squad with the lowest number of Europe-based players.

Hossam Hassan is banking on his domestic pool, especially the stars from Al Ahly and Zamalek, and only three players who ply their trade in Europe: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), and Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes).

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Compared to the other teams, Egypt lags far behind in this regard. Their opponent, Senegal, for instance, boasts 23 Europe-based players, including stars like Pape Gueye, Idrissa Gueye, Nicolas Jackson, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Ismail Jakobs.

Nigeria features 26 players competing on the European stage, including the dynamic duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Not to mention other key players like Akor Adams, Semi Ajayi, and Wilfried Ndidi.

As for Morocco, Walid Regragui can count on the European experience of Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, and Brahim Diaz, the tournament's top scorer with 5 goals. The Atlas Lions have 20 Europe-based players in their squad.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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Senegal

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations