Hossam Hassan, the coach of the Egyptian national football team, confirmed that the anticipated confrontation between the Pharaohs’ captain Mohamed Salah and his former Liverpool teammate, Senegalese star Sadio Mane, represents “an honorable model for African football,” during the press conference held on Tuesday in the Moroccan city of Tangier, on the eve of the two teams’ meeting in the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations.
This match holds special significance that extends beyond the pitch, bringing to mind a series of dramatic encounters between the two African giants in recent years. African football has witnessed fierce rivalry between Egypt and Senegal, most notably the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final in Cameroon and the decisive match for the 2022 World Cup qualifier, both of which were decided by penalty kicks in favor of the "Lions of Teranga." This adds a layer of both revenge and intense sporting drama to this upcoming match.
Hossam Hassan commented on the quality of the players, saying: "The African continent is full of talents that are no less important than their counterparts in South America or Europe. Mohamed Salah is a great player, as are Sadio Mane and Achraf Hakimi, and there are dozens of wonderful players who raise the name of the continent high. The competition between Salah and Mane is wonderful, and both of them are role models for the rising generations.".
Speaking about the team's preparations, the coach added: "We have great respect for Senegal and are aware that they have the advantage of playing at home in Tangier from the start of the tournament, in addition to having 24 hours more rest, but we are fully prepared. The coaching staff has studied our opponents thoroughly and identified all their strengths and weaknesses." Hassan emphasized that the players' morale is sky-high, affirming everyone's desire to win and compete for the continental title.
In response to public concerns about a "Senegalese complex," the Pharaohs' coach was decisive: "Senegal is not a complex for Egypt. We are seven-time African champions, a record that reflects the greatness of this team. There is no such thing as a complex in football; history is written on the pitch." This statement is intended to bolster the confidence of the players and fans, drawing on the rich history of the Egyptian national team, which has always been a formidable force in knockout stages.
Hossam Hassan addressed the phenomenon of national coaches in Africa, praising Walid Regragui's experience with Morocco, saying: "The national coach is the best, and most of Egypt's continental championships were achieved under the leadership of great national coaches such as the late Mahmoud El-Gohary and Hassan Shehata. I strongly support giving the opportunity to national coaches in the African continent.".
For his part, Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet" affirmed the players' readiness to redeem themselves and bring joy to the Egyptian people, noting that the 2021 final loss gives them extra motivation. On the opposing side, Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, acknowledged that facing Egypt is a "true test" of his team's strength, praising the Pharaohs' experience in managing major matches, while simultaneously asserting the "Lions of Teranga's" determination to secure a place in the final.
