Al-Watan Al-Youm News – December 29, 2025
Written by | Khaled Sharif
The Egyptian national team has successfully qualified from the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations with impressive performance, as the “Pharaohs” secured the top spot in their group with 6 points from two matches, before facing Angola, sparking discussions about the expected path for the team in the knockout stages, particularly the round of 16 match.
By topping their group, the Egyptian team will benefit from a significant technical and logistical advantage, as it has been decided that they will play their round of 16 match at their home venue in the Moroccan city of Agadir.
This stay spares the players the fatigue of travel and movement, and ensures the continuation of the massive fan support that the team has received from the Egyptian community and Arab fans in the city since the start of the tournament.
Hossam Hassan, coach of the Egypt national team
Scenarios for Egypt’s Next Opponent
The technical staff led by Captain Hossam Hassan is awaiting the results of the other groups, as the tournament rules indicate that Egypt will face one of the best third-placed teams from three specific groups, as follows:
– Third in Group A: where competition is fierce between the teams of Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros. – Third in Group C: which includes prestigious teams such as Tunisia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda. – Third in Group D: which includes teams like Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Botswana.
Fan Anticipation for Potential Arab Clashes
These possibilities open the door to early and strong “derby” matches, where the Pharaohs could clash with Arab teams, such as Morocco or Tunisia if one of them finishes third in their group, making the round of 16 akin to an “early final” for the Egyptian team.
Egypt’s Squad
The Pharaohs’ squad for participation in the Africa Cup of Nations is as follows:
– Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy, Ahmed El-Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Sobhy. – Defense: Mohamed Hany, Ahmed Eid, Rami Rabia, Khaled Sobhy, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Ismail, Hossam Abdel-Maguid, Mohamed Hamdy, Ahmed Fatouh. – Midfield: Marwan Attia, Hamdy Fathy, Mohand Lasheen, Mahmoud Saber, Mohamed Shehata, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Ibrahim Adel, Mostafa Fathy. – Attack: Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed, Salah Mohsen, Osama Faisal.
Al-Watan Al-Youm continues its comprehensive coverage of the events of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with daily reports on the matches of Arab teams, especially the Egyptian team, to provide accurate analyses and live follow-up that satisfy the passion of sports fans.
