AFCON 2025: Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Claims Jealousy Ahead of Nigeria Clash

Story: written by Daniel January 16,2026
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has suggested that other African teams are envious of his squad due to their record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles.

Hassan made the remarks ahead of Egypt’s third-place playoff match against Nigeria this weekend, following their 1-0 semi-final defeat to Senegal courtesy of a late Sadio Mane goal.

The coach also raised concerns about what he perceives as unfair treatment toward his team, particularly in relation to AFCON fixture scheduling. Hassan noted that Egypt had to play a day after Senegal’s semi-final on the same pitch, which he described as inequitable.

“Egypt does not need excuses and apologies,” Hassan said. “We just needed fairness like Senegal. Egypt is great—the mother of the Arabs and the mother of Africa in terms of history and titles—and everyone is jealous.”