Hossam Hassan: “Senegal is Egypt’s bogey team? We won AFCON 7 times”

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has stressed his full respect for Senegal ahead of their upcoming clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while firmly rejecting the idea that the Teranga Lions hold a psychological advantage over the Pharaohs.

Egypt will face Senegal tomorrow, Wednesday, in the semi-finals of AFCON 2025, currently being held in Morocco. The match comes after Senegal defeated Egypt in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and in the final of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, the last two meetings between the sides.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Hassan said:
“Any team that reaches this stage of the tournament is naturally well prepared. The Egypt national team is used to taking part in these competitions and competing for titles.”

He added:
“We have full respect and appreciation for Senegal and for any opponent we face. Every team has its own playing style and its own way of preparing for competitions.”

Hassan also voiced his strong support for national coaches, saying:
“With all due respect to foreign coaches, I always side with national coaches. The Egyptian national team achieved many historic accomplishments with great local coaches such as Mahmoud El-Gohary and Hassan Shehata.”

He continued:
“I am one of the biggest supporters of Morocco’s Walid Regragui, who led his country to the World Cup semi-finals. I believe the time has come for African coaches to be given their chance.”

Responding to questions about Senegal being a “bogey team” for Egypt, Hassan was clear:
“Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times. The bogey team is not for us, but for those who have not reached this number. Losing to an opponent once does not create a bogey team. In fact, the Egyptian national team has been a bogey team for many opponents.”

Hassan also addressed the pressure, stating:
“I have been used to constant pressure since I was a player, and criticism does not affect me.”

He concluded by speaking about Salah and Mane:
“The competition between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane is wonderful and has a special appeal. They are two great stars and true role models for African football, and of course each of them wants to give his best for his country.”

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