All eyes of football fans across the African continent, and especially Egyptian fans, will be on the Moroccan stadiums tomorrow evening, Monday, as the Egyptian national team faces a crucial and decisive match against Benin in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This match comes amidst a state of anticipation and extreme caution within the "Pharaohs" camp, fearing a repeat of the shocking upsets that befell some of the continent's giants in the early rounds.
The Pharaohs' journey and camp preparations
The Egyptian national team enters the match bolstered by its rich history as the most decorated team in the continental competition, and with high morale gained from its balanced performance during the group stage. The Pharaohs secured seven points from two well-deserved victories against Zimbabwe and South Africa, before settling for a tactical draw against Angola in the final round, giving them a comfortable lead and relative technical stability.
In preparation for the upcoming match, the national team continued its intensive training sessions at the Taghazout Stadium, where the coaching staff, led by Captain Hossam Hassan, focused on tactical aspects and addressing some defensive errors. The official website of the Egyptian Football Association reported that the medical staff is working against the clock to get midfielder Mohannad Lasheen fit. Lasheen is undergoing a special rehabilitation program after suffering a rib contusion during the match against Angola, and the team is striving to have him available for the game.
Hossam Hassan's warnings and the scenario of surprises
Coach Hossam Hassan made no secret of his concern about the potential for upsets from teams considered less favored on paper. During the final training session, he delivered a stern message to his players, emphasizing the need for complete mental discipline and urging them not to underestimate any opponent, regardless of their reputation. These warnings carry added weight given the shock experienced by Arab fans following the early exits of Tunisia and Sudan from the same round, placing further pressure on the Egyptian players to salvage Arab football's reputation in the tournament and avoid a similar early exit.
Expected lineup and the return of the strike force
Technically, Hossam Hassan is expected to field his strongest starting lineup, having rested several key players in the recent match against Angola. Veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy is set to return to the starting eleven, and right-back Mohamed Hany will also be available after serving his suspension following his red card against South Africa.
On the attacking front, global superstar Mohamed Salah will lead the Pharaohs, while the coaching staff has opted to field the talented Omar Marmoush as the lone striker, preferring to keep Mostafa Mohamed as a valuable substitute to turn the tide in the second half if needed. In midfield, the coaching staff will rely on Ahmed Mostafa "Zizo" as the third player, giving him attacking duties and freedom of movement behind Salah on the right flank, while Emam Ashour is expected to start the match on the bench.
The importance of the match and the aspirations for an eighth title
This match is the true gateway to restoring African glory, as the current generation aspires to add the eighth star to the Egyptian national team's jersey, which has been absent from the federation's trophy cabinet since 2010. The players realize that winning against Benin is not just about advancing to the quarter-finals, but rather a strong message to the rivals that Egypt is coming in strong to compete for the title, especially in light of the excellent organization of the tournament on Moroccan soil and the great fan support that the team enjoys.
