CAIRO – The Egyptian national team, led by head coach Hossam Hassan, wrapped up its final training session ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Nigeria at Cairo International Stadium, as part of its preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
With six days remaining before the 35th edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on December 21, Egypt heads into the tournament with a rich pedigree, having played 111 matches across 26 appearances, recording 60 wins, 24 draws and 27 defeats.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Manchester City attacker Omar Marmoush have joined the national team camp, while Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed has also arrived as preparations intensify for the continental showpiece in Morocco.
The coaching staff is expected to decide in the coming hours—based on the trio’s physical condition—whether they will feature in Tuesday evening’s friendly against Nigeria, Egypt’s final tune-up before departing for Morocco.
The Pharaohs will continue their preparations until December 17, when the squad travels to Morocco, aiming to secure a record-extending eighth AFCON title.
Seven-time champions and winners of three consecutive crowns between 2006 and 2010, Egypt will open their Group B campaign against Zimbabwe on December 22, face South Africa on December 26, and conclude the group stage against Angola on December 29.
Nigeria, meanwhile, has been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
Hassan has already announced his final squad for the tournament, with preparations having begun on December 3 during an open camp at the National Teams Center in Sixth of October City.
The 59-year-old tactician is determined to raise the team’s ambitions and guide Egypt back to championship-winning form, starting with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
With seven continental titles to their name—the last secured in 2010—Hassan is eager to rekindle the glory days and excite Egyptian fans once again. A former national team legend, he is targeting a deep run in the tournament, seeking to revive the golden era under coach Hassan Shehata, who led Egypt to three consecutive AFCON titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010 and propelled the Pharaohs to ninth place in the FIFA world rankings.
Egypt 2025 AFCON Squad
Hassan’s AFCON squad blends experienced internationals with emerging talents, featuring key players from both the domestic league and Europe’s top clubs as Egypt sets their sights firmly on continental supremacy.
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy, Ahmed El-Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Sobhi.
Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Ahmed Eid, Rami Rabia, Khaled Sobhi, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Ismail, Hossam Abdel Meguid, Mohamed Hamdy, Ahmed Fattouh.
Midfielders: Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi, Mohanad Lasheen, Mahmoud Saber, Mohamed Shehata, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’, Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’, Ibrahim Adel, Mostafa Fathi.
Forwards: Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed, Salah Mohsen, Osama Faisal.
