Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan reveals the philosophy behind Egypt’s AFCON surge

10.01.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt

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Ivory Coast

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Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan praised his players character after their 3-2 quarter final win over Ivory Coast at AFCON 2025.

Speaking after the match, Hassan described his squad as “men on a mission” underlining the commitment and discipline that carried the Pharaohs into the semi finals.

“As a coach I put the idea and the plan together with my staff & the players execute it,” Hassan said. “I thank them for their discipline and the fighting spirit they showed. This win is for the Egyptian people and for Mohamed Hamdy who suffered cruciate ligament injury.”

The veteran coach highlighted Egypt’s tactical identity throughout the tournament pointing to the 5-3-2 system that became defining feature of their run.

“I am the only coach who started this tournament with 5-3-2,” he noted. “After that other teams began using it. This is success for Egypt.”

In his post match interview with beIN SPORTS, Hassan expanded on the idea behind the system.

“We played with five at the back starting from second match against South Africa. It’s not only for defending, it gives us density in both defence & attack,” he explained.

He stressed that the players are the foundation of that success.

“The coach is only an idea. He may be right or wrong. I trust my thinking, I consult my staff & the players. The reason the idea works is the players.”

Hassan singled out the front line for their defensive contribution. “From Mohamed Salah to Omar Marmoush, they are our first line of defence. The attacking transitions are intentional. We know there will be space, and our players have the ability to use it.”

Egypt now face Senegal on Wednesday in the semi finals, a rematch of the AFCON 2021 final.

With belief growing Hassan closed with simple message:

“I thank the players. Long live Egypt.”

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Egypt

Ivory Coast

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations