2025 AFCON: ‘I’m proud of my players’ – Egypt coach Hassan after losing to Senegal
15th January 2026
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan praised the courage and fighting spirit of his players despite their semi-final exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, conceding that Senegal deserved their place in the final.
The Pharaohs were edged out 1-0 by the Teranga Lions on Wednesday night at the Grand Stadium of Tangier, with Sadio Mané’s second-half goal proving the difference in a tightly contested encounter.
Speaking after the match, Hassan struck a tone of pride rather than regret, highlighting the commitment shown by his team on one of the biggest stages in African football.
“I am really proud of my players who displayed great character against a tough opponent,” he said. “I told them I am proud because they defended the Egyptian flag and the Egyptian people with a lot of courage.”
The former Egypt striker was also candid in his assessment of the opposition, acknowledging that Senegal had the edge on the night.
“Senegal played very well, and I can’t take anything away from them,” Hassan added. “They were better today.”
Egypt battled for long spells, remaining compact and disciplined, but struggled to find a way back after Mané’s decisive strike. The defeat brings an end to their title hopes, but Hassan insisted there were positives to take from the performance and the wider campaign.
The Pharaohs will now shift focus to the third-place play-off, where they will face the loser of the other semi-final between Nigeria and hosts Morocco, as they look to finish the tournament on a strong note.