AFCON: Hossam Hassan fumes after Egypt’s semi-final exit

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has launched a scathing attack on 2025 AFCON organisers, labelling the tournament’s scheduling a “conspiracy” following the Pharaohs’ 1-0 semi-final defeat to Senegal.

In a fiery post-match press conference, the legendary striker-turned-manager didn’t hold back, claiming his side was physically “tortured” by a lopsided itinerary that played directly into the hands of the Lions of Teranga.

A Question of Fairness At AFCON

Hassan’s primary grievance lies in the recovery window. While Senegal remained at their base in Tangier with an extra day of rest, Egypt was forced to navigate a 790km journey from Agadir after a punishing quarter-final against Ivory Coast.

“We had two days’ rest and one travel day. If you look at the rest days of the other teams, it’s clear,” Hassan fumed. “By what FIFA law is this done? When a team reaches the semis, do you honour it or torture it? The team we played against was already staying in this city. We didn’t rest; we travelled.”

The match was decided by a 78th-minute Sadio Mané strike, but Hassan refused to lay blame at the feet of his squad. Instead, he pointed to a lack of “fairness” in the officiating and the tournament structure, even suggesting that outside forces were eager to see the seven-time champions fall.

During a tense moment in the match, Hassan was spotted holding up seven fingers—a defiant reminder to officials and fans of Egypt’s unmatched AFCON pedigree.

“Maybe people were worried Egypt would be in the final,” Hassan suggested. “Everyone is jealous of our history. Egypt is the mother of Africa in terms of history and titles.”

AFCON: No Excuses for the Players

While the coach hinted at a “darker” narrative surrounding the officiating and a missed foul late in the game, he stood firmly behind his players, calling them “heroes.”

“I’m satisfied with what my players did. Any mistakes that happened are on me,” he noted, adding that Mané’s winner was the result of a lucky deflection rather than tactical superiority.

What’s Next?

While Senegal prepares for a blockbuster final against hosts Morocco in Rabat, Egypt is left to pick up the pieces. They now face the third-place playoff, with Hassan insisting that “fairness” must be restored to African football if the continent’s giants are to be respected.