Hossam Hassan unveils the squad for Egypt, AFCON’s record winners, ahead of the tournament start.
The record seven-time African champions, Egypt, have officially confirmed their final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, with Head Coach Hossam Hassan selecting a group he believes can restore the nation to the pinnacle of African football. The squad is notable for its reliance on the strong domestic base of the Egyptian Premier League, complemented by a handful of high-profile foreign-based stars.
Leading the charge is the talismanic captain Mohamed Salah (Liverpool FC), who remains the focal point of the Pharaohs’ attack. His inclusion ensures the squad has world-class quality and tournament experience as they seek to go one step further than their runner-up finishes in 2017 and 2021.
The Attacking Stars and Midfield Engine
The forward line is thin on players explicitly listed as strikers but relies heavily on versatile attacking midfielders and wingers. Omar Marmoush (Manchester City FC) and Mostafa Mohamed (FC Nantes) are expected to provide pace and cutting edge alongside Salah. Hassan has also included Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ (Al Ahly), a veteran of multiple AFCON campaigns, known for his relentless work rate and crucial goals.
The midfield boasts a strong and balanced profile, featuring the defensive stability of Hamdy Fathy (Al-Wakrah) and Marwan Attia (Al Ahly), which frees up creative outlets like Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’ (Al Ahly) and the returning Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), who was selected despite having limited minutes recently due to injury setbacks. The squad selection emphasizes tactical flexibility, a hallmark of Hossam Hassan’s style.
Defensive Veterans and Goalkeeping Strength
In defense, Hassan has opted for a blend of familiarity and youth. The backline is anchored by experienced names like Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Ramy Rabia (Al Ain), and the return of Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), ensuring a solid foundation. Younger defenders such as Hossam Abdel-Maguid (Zamalek) add fresh pace and physicality to the unit.
Goalkeeping remains a position of strength, led by the experienced first-choice keeper Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly). He is joined by Ahmed El Shenawy (Pyramids FC), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), and Mohamed Sobhi (Zamalek), creating a deep and competitive goalkeeping core.
The Final 28-Man Squad:
Goalkeepers
Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Ahmed El Shenawy (Pyramids FC), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), Mohamed Sobhi (Zamalek).
Defenders
Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Ahmed Eid (Al Masry), Ramy Rabia (Al Ain), Khaled Sobhi (Al Masry), Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Mohamed Ismail (Zamalek), Hossam Abdel-Maguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Hamdy (Pyramids FC), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek).
Midfielders
Marwan Attia (Al Ahly), Hamdi Fathy (Al Wakrah, Qatar), Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids FC), Mahmoud Saber (ZED FC), Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Ahmed Sayed Zizo (Al Ahly), Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet (Al Ahly), Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazira, UAE), Mostafa Fathi (Pyramids FC), Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool).
Forwards
Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes), Salah Mohsen (Al Masry), Osama Faisal (Al Ahly Bank).
The Pharaohs are grouped in Group B, where they will face Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Angola. Their preparations began with an open training camp, culminating in a warm-up friendly against Nigeria on December 14th, before the team departs for Morocco to contest their opening match on December 22nd.
