CASABLANCA, Morocco – The Egyptian national team, led by head coach Hossam Hassan, has wrapped up preparations for Saturday’s high-stakes showdown against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third-place playoff.
The match will take place on Saturday, January 17 at 6:00pm Cairo Local Time at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, bringing the continental journeys of both sides to a close in this year’s showpiece event.
Both Egypt and Nigeria were denied a place in the final, setting up a third-place playoff in which the two sides will look to finish their AFCON campaigns on a positive note by securing a place on the podium.
The Pharaohs are set for their seventh AFCON third-place playoff, with a record of three wins and three defeats in previous editions.
Final training session
In their final session ahead of the game, the Pharaohs focused on light physical exercises and recovery drills. Training was conducted in groups to correct tactical lapses observed in the semi-final against Senegal, particularly defensive positioning and dealing with long-range shots.
However, Egypt’s squad faces setbacks on the left flank. Ahmed Fattouh will miss the playoff after sustaining a hamstring strain against Senegal, while Mohamed Hamdy remains sidelined with an ACL injury. Trezeguet filled in at left-back during the semi-final, a role that will remain under close scrutiny.
Tactical outlook
The Pharaohs have leaned on a three-man defense in recent matches against Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, a formation expected to continue against Nigeria, whose attack thrives on pace.
Coach Hassan may push Trezeguet into midfield, paired with a defensive trio of Rami Rabia, Khaled Sobhi, and Yasser Ibrahim, while Hossam Abdel Meguid sits out due to suspension.
Alternatively, a four-man backline could see Khaled Sobhi or Mohamed Ismail stepping into the left-back role. Hassan is also likely to rotate, giving opportunities to players who have yet to start, including Ahmed El-Shenawy, Mostafa Fathi, Osama Faisal, and Khaled Sobhi, balancing injury and suspension concerns.
A storied rivalry
The Pharaohs and Green Eagles have met 19 times in official and friendly fixtures, with Nigeria claiming seven wins, Egypt six, and six draws. Both sides have scored 32 goals apiece, underlining a fiercely competitive rivalry.
In AFCON encounters, the two teams have met 9 times, with Nigeria claiming 5 wins, Egypt 2, and 2 draws, giving a slight edge to the Green Eagles in continental encounters.
Tournament recap
Egypt’s title hopes ended with a narrow 1-0 semi-final loss to Senegal, while Nigeria bowed out on penalties after a goalless draw with Morocco.
Despite elimination, Egypt continues to make history: the Pharaohs hold records for most tournament appearances (26), most matches played (117), most wins (64), and top goals scored (175).
Egypt has also hosted the tournament five times, reached 10 finals, and boasts the most AFCON titles won as hosts with three triumphs.
With seven AFCON titles already in their trophy cabinet, the Pharaohs aim to add another proud chapter to their storied AFCON legacy while closing the tournament with a display of resilience.
