Essam El-Hadary sends motivational message to Egypt ahead of Senegal clash

Legendary former Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has delivered a message of support to the Pharaohs ahead of their crucial semi-final encounter against Senegal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Egypt are set to face Senegal tomorrow, Wednesday, in the AFCON semi-finals at the Ibn Battouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco, as the Pharaohs continue their way for a historic eighth continental title.

El-Hadary drew parallels between the upcoming clash and Egypt’s semi-final match against Burkina Faso at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. He linked the strong confidence currently shown by Senegal to the atmosphere surrounding that encounter, indicating that history may be repeating itself.

Posting on his official Instagram account, El-Hadary said:
“In 2017, we left our base and traveled to another city in Gabon to face Burkina Faso in the semi-final.”

He added:
“The Burkina Faso players were posting photos full of muscle flexing and trying to apply psychological pressure on us, but we put the name of Egypt in front of our eyes, beat them, and reached the final. I feel that history is repeating itself.”

El-Hadary continued:
“I was one of the reasons behind that victory on penalties, and I have unlimited confidence that El-Shenawy will be the key figure in tomorrow’s win against Senegal.”

The legendary goalkeeper concluded his message by praising the current Egypt goalkeeper El-Shenawy:
“I know his personality very well. He is a leader who always shows up at the right moment.”

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.