Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, expressing confidence that the selected group can restore the Pharaohs to the summit of African football.
The seven-time African champions—last crowned in 2010—will compete in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January, aiming to reclaim continental dominance after falling short in recent editions.
Hassan’s squad blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent, retaining a core of domestically based players while relying on a handful of overseas stars to offer attacking flair and leadership.
Salah Headlines Limited Overseas Cast
Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah leads the team both as captain and offensive focal point, headlining a modest group of foreign-based players.
Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed also made the final cut, with Hassan describing them as key to providing “attacking dynamism and depth.”
UAE-based duo Ibrahim Adel and Rahim Rabia add versatility from the Emirati league, rounding out the international contingent.
Goalkeeping and Defence: Depth and Balance
The goalkeeping department features four options, topped by long-time No. 1 Mohamed El Shenawy of Al Ahly. He is joined by Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), Ahmed El Shenawy (Pyramids) and Mohamed Sobhi (Zamalek), providing depth and strong domestic familiarity.
In defence, the coach has opted for a balanced mix of seasoned internationals and youthful energy. Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, and Ahmed Fatouh bring high-level experience, while younger defenders such as Hossam Abdel-Maguid and Khaled Sobhi inject pace and physicality.
The coaching crew described the defensive unit as “a balanced mix of physical strength and international exposure”—a key requirement for navigating a competitive Group B.
Midfield: Egypt’s Engine Room
Hassan’s midfield selection emphasises creativity, tactical flexibility and leadership. The group includes Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi, Mohannad Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Mohamed Shehata and Mahmoud Trezeguet, alongside creative spark Ahmed Sayed Zizo.
Salah appears on the official list as part of a hybrid front-midfield structure, joined by Omar Marmoush, Ibrahim Adel and Mostafa Fathi—a quartet expected to drive Egypt’s creative and transitional play.
Attack: Mostafa Mohamed to Lead the Line
Europe-based forward Mostafa Mohamed will spearhead the attack as he continues to establish himself as Egypt’s primary striker. He is supported by Salah Mohsen and Osama Faisal, who complete the forward trio tasked with delivering goals in Morocco.
Egypt’s AFCON Pathway and Preparations
The Pharaohs begin their AFCON campaign in Group B, opening against Zimbabwe on 22 December, followed by a tough encounter with South Africa, before concluding the group stage against Angola.
Egypt will commence an open training camp on 3 December, which will transition to a closed camp on 7 December. Their final pre-tournament friendly comes against Nigeria on 14 December in Cairo, before departing for Morocco on 17 December.
Hossam Hassan expressed optimism as he looks to guide Egypt to an eighth continental title, saying the squad “combines experience and youth, hoping to achieve the desired results in the upcoming competitions.”
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