2025 AFCON: ‘We are the Seven Stars’ – Hossam Hassan after Egypt’s semifinals defeat

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan struck a defiant tone after the Pharaohs were eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by Senegal, insisting his side’s legacy remains unmatched despite their semi-final defeat.

The seven-time African champions fell 1-0 to the Lions of Teranga, ending their hopes of reaching another AFCON final. But in his post-match remarks, Hassan focused less on the result and more on Egypt’s enduring status in African and Arab football.

“Egypt is the mother of the Arabs… Egypt is the mother of Africa,” he said. “Historically, no one has been like us in tournaments; no one has achieved what we have.

“We are the Lions of Africa, we are the Pharaohs, we are the Seven Stars.”

Hassan’s comments reflected both pride and frustration following a narrow loss decided by a second-half goal, as Senegal once again underlined their growing dominance on the continental stage.

The former Egypt striker also hinted at external pressures surrounding his team’s AFCON campaign, suggesting that not everyone wanted the record champions to progress further in the competition.

“There were people who didn’t want us to reach the final,” he added, without elaborating.

Egypt had arrived at the tournament with hopes of extending their record haul of AFCON titles, but fell short against a disciplined Senegal side led by Sadio Mané.

Despite the disappointment, Hassan’s message was clear: defeat has not diminished Egypt’s place in football history. For the Pharaohs, attention now turns to rebuilding and regrouping, as they look to return stronger in future tournaments and add to their celebrated legacy.

For Senegal, victory set up a place in the final with host nation Morocco while Egypt were left to reflect on a campaign that ended painfully close to another shot at continental glory.