RABAT – Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan hailed his side’s character and ambition after a 3-1 victory over Benin in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a result that secured the Pharaohs’ place in the quarter-finals of the tournament, which runs until January 18.
Speaking after the last-16 clash, Hassan underlined Egypt’s readiness to take on any challenge as the tournament in Morocco heads into its decisive stages.
“I dedicate this victory to the Egyptian people and to Mohamed Hamdy,” Hassan said at the post-match press conference, expressing his sorrow over the defender’s cruciate ligament injury. “He is a distinguished player, and his absence is painful for us.”
With Egypt eyeing a first continental crown since 2010, the veteran coach insisted his team would approach the quarter-finals at full strength and with clear intent.
“We respect all opponents, but Egypt always plays to win,” he said. “Our goal is to reach the semi-finals and fight for the title. We are ready for whoever comes next.”
Hassan also praised his players’ efforts in what he described as a highly competitive tournament.
“We are happy with the victory and reaching the quarter-finals in a very strong Africa Cup of Nations,” he added.
“We faced a good team that delivered an outstanding performance. There are no easy teams in Africa, and I thank the players and the technical staff for their tremendous effort.”
He concluded: “Football does not recognise history,” Hassan said. “Only what you deliver on the pitch in each match matters.”
‘Egypt not among favourites’
Egypt forward Mohamed Salah played down his side’s title credentials after scoring the decisive third goal to secure progression, insisting the Pharaohs are not among the favourites despite their ambition to go deep in the tournament in Morocco.
“I don’t think we are favourites at all,” Salah said, pointing to the contrast between Egypt’s largely home-based squad and other contenders who rely on foreign-based players, while stressing that the team will continue to give everything for their country.
“We have young players, most of whom play in Egypt. We fight for our country, and everyone gives their best — as you saw.”
The 33-year-old underlined the fine margins at the tournament, insisting there are no easy matches at AFCON.
“The level is very close,” Salah said. “No team loses by four or five goals. Benin has a good team and a good coach, and I’m glad we managed to win in the end.”
Salah’s strike took his AFCON tally to 10 goals in 22 appearances, leaving him two goals behind Egypt’s all-time leading scorer in the competition, Hassan El-Shazly, and one shy of his current coach.
Seven-time champions Egypt, who is chasing a record-extending eighth title, will meet either defending champions Côte d’Ivoire or Burkina Faso in Saturday’s quarter-final showdown in Agadir.
Egypt and Nigeria, on Monday, booked their places in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals, with Egypt beating Benin 3-1, while Nigeria sealed a 4-0 win over Mozambique.
Mali and Senegal will play the first quarter-final on Friday, followed by host Morocco facing Cameroon.
