Egypt players react dejected during 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Semi Final match between Senegal and Egypt on the 14 January 2026 at Grand Stadium Tangier in Tangier ©Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Friday Jan 16, 2026. 13:00
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan believes that his side was unfairly treated ahead of their crucial match against Senegal.
The Pharaohs’ hopes of winning a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title this year faded away after losing 1-0 to Senegal in Wednesday’s semi-final clash.
Hassan believes unfair conditions affected his side as Egypt had less recovery time than their opponents ahead of the semi-final match against the Lions of Teranga.
“We rested for only two days and then played again on the third,” the 59-year-old tactician said in the post-match conference.
“We were always traveling. Compare the rest days other teams had to ours. That’s why I feel sorry for my players.
“Our opponents stayed in the same city, same hotel, same beds throughout the competition. We had no such comfort. We suffered from constant travel and lack of rest.”
The retired striker, who won three AFCON titles with Egypt as a player, went on to boast about the Pharaohs’ record.
“Until the end of time, no team will dare to win the Africa Cup seven times like Egypt. I bet on that. Egypt is a great team, and no one will match this achievement,” he added.
“We needed one or two extra days of rest, just like Senegal had. Instead, we played immediately after the quarterfinal.”
Egypt are preparing for Saturday’s third-place playoff match against Nigeria on Saturday and Senegal will face hosts, Morocco, in Sunday’s final.