Egypt ready for Senegal test as semi-final looms
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan hailed the "impressive" quality at the Africa Cup of Nations this year, brushing off criticism of his side's performances in the knockout stages.
Egypt will face Senegal for a place in the AFCON final, having earned a nervy 3-2 win over Cote d'Ivoire in the quarter-finals, as the holder attempted a late fightback.
The Pharaohs were also forced to extra-time in their Round of 16 meeting with Benin, but scored twice in the added 30 minutes to win 3-1.
Hassan highlighted the high quality of the teams competing at this year's tournament, while maintaining his confidence in Egypt’s ability to keep pushing for the final.
"The standard of African football has increased markedly with the quality of players in each team being very impressive," he said.
"There have been so many teams here with world-class players, not only the experienced players but also youngsters, who have match-winning ability and an incredible skill set.
"Every side has its weaknesses, and we have studied Senegal in depth as we have planned for this game. We are sure they will be analysing our approach, too, so this could be decided on the small details.
"I don't give a damn about [the criticism]. There are those who have confidence in what we are trying to achieve and those who are sceptical. I pay it no attention."
Senegal, meanwhile, edged to a 1-0 win over 10-man Mali in the quarter-finals, but dominated from start to finish to reach the final four.
While a lot of the pre-match build-up has centred on former Liverpool team-mates Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah coming face to face again, it is Senegal's defensive solidity that could be key to reaching the showpiece.
Senegal has kept 18 clean sheets in its 27 AFCON games over the last five editions, at least four more than any other team in this period.
However, head coach Pape Thiaw is wary of the threat posed to his side by the likes of Omar Marmoush and Salah, who has been involved in a goal in each of his four matches at the 2025 edition – four goals and one assist.
"The Egyptian team plays excellently and knows how to defend, but we play in a balanced way and hope to show our best performance in the match," he said.
"Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush are two great and outstanding players, but we are facing the entire Egyptian national team.
"With all due respect to them, we are determined to advance and secure a spot in the final."
