Published:
Egypt secured their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 on Saturday after a composed and hard-fought 3-2 victory over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire.
Impressive in their control and maturity since the start of the tournament, the Pharaohs have shown that a place in the final remains a realistic ambition as they continue to assert their pedigree on Africa’s biggest stage.
A matter of history
Egypt and the Africa Cup of Nations are inseparable. The most successful nation in the history of the competition, the Pharaohs hold a unique place in AFCON folklore.
Egypt remain the only country on the continent to have won the tournament three times consecutively, lifting the trophy in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
Since 2017, Egypt have now reached their third AFCON semi-final, following previous appearances in Gabon in 2017 and Cameroon in 2021, both of which ended in final defeats. That consistency at the latter stages underlines their enduring presence among Africa’s elite.
A goalkeeper under scrutiny, but delivering
At home, goalkeeper Mohamed ElShenawy has not been without criticism, largely due to a difficult period at club level in recent months.
Despite conceding at least one goal in each of his appearances at the tournament, ElShenawy has retained the trust of his coach — and repaid it.
He has produced key saves at decisive moments and was instrumental in Egypt’s progress to the last four, earning the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award against South Africa during the group stage.
A squad built for the challenge
Egypt are the only team at AFCON 2025 to have made 11 changes to their starting line-up in a group-stage match, a clear reflection of the depth available to head coach Hossam Hassan.
That rotation confirmed the strength of the Pharaohs’ squad and reinforced the coach’s repeated message: every player is ready and trusted.
Egypt’s place in the semi-finals is no accident — it is the product of planning, depth and balance.
Mohamed Salah’s burning ambition
Beyond Egypt’s rich history, Mohamed Salah remains central to their campaign.
Relatively quiet off the pitch in Morocco, Salah has let his performances speak. Against Côte d’Ivoire, he scored his fourth goal of the tournament — his highest tally in a single AFCON edition. He has also delivered decisive moments against South Africa, Benin and the holders.
At 33, and after losing AFCON finals in 2017 and 2021, what could be his final appearance at the tournament has sharpened his focus. Salah’s determination to finally lift the trophy is evident.
Hossam Hassan’s ambition
Now leading Egypt from the touchline, Hossam Hassan is himself a legend of the Africa Cup of Nations, having won the title three times as a player (1986, 1998 and 2006).
Appointed head coach nearly two years ago, Hassan has faced criticism over style of play, but results continue to support his approach. His stated mission remains simple: to bring joy to the Egyptian people.
Reaching the semi-finals is already a significant milestone — and Egypt are now just one step away from another AFCON final.
