Egypt coach Hossam Hassan believes the time is right for Mohamed Salah to finally lift the Africa Cup of Nations. Hassan, who is determined to guide Egypt to the 2026 World Cup just as he did as a player, is eager to add the continental title to his achievements as a coach.
A three-time Nations Cup winner during his playing days, Hassan now leads a talented squad featuring Liverpool star Salah and forward Omar Marmoush, who signed with Manchester City in January.
Despite reaching the final twice—in 2017 and 2021—Salah, now 32, has yet to secure the prestigious trophy.
“It’s time for Salah to lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, and he deserves it. The competition is tough, but we are capable of winning it,” Hassan told Reuters in an interview.
“He is a great player and deserves his current status. Having him with us is wonderful. Everyone in the team, led by Salah, is doing their best to fulfil the hopes and ambitions of the Egyptian people,” the former striker added.
Egypt has been placed in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe for the tournament in Morocco, set to take place from December 21 to January 18.
Coach Hossam Hassan, who has experienced both Nations Cup glory and World Cup qualification as a player, refused to prioritize one over the other. As Egypt’s all-time leading scorer, he famously netted the goal that secured the country’s place at the 1990 World Cup. Now, as a coach, he aims to replicate that feat on the sidelines.
“The two goals are extremely important. Winning the Africa Cup of Nations after a long absence (would be) fantastic for the national team, especially for this outstanding generation that deserves it,” he said.
“Also, reaching the World Cup and advancing to the later stages would be even more wonderful and would highlight the performance of this generation and the coaching staff and, of course, bring joy to the Egyptian fans who deserve so much”.
At the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Egypt held both Ireland and the Netherlands to draws but failed to advance after a narrow 1-0 loss to eventual semi-finalists England. The team returned to the global stage in 2018 but endured a disappointing campaign, losing all three group matches against hosts Russia, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Currently, Egypt leads African World Cup qualifying Group A by four points with six matches remaining. The group winners will secure direct qualification for next year’s tournament.
