Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan issued a measured but heartfelt response following his side’s 1‑0 loss to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi‑final in Tangier, acknowledging his team’s effort while pointing to scheduling challenges and overall commitment. The Pharaohs’ campaign ended with Sadio Mané’s decisive 78th‑minute strike that sent Senegal to the final.
In the post‑match press conference, Hassan expressed pride in his players’ performance, emphasizing that the squad gave their all throughout the tournament, even if their journey to a record‑extending eighth AFCON title came up short. Hassan told reporters, “God’s will be done, and I am completely satisfied with the players. They worked hard and gave their all throughout the tournament until today.”
Hassan also highlighted the physical and logistical demands his team faced, noting disparities in rest and preparation compared to opponents. He suggested that scheduling and travel adjustments may have contributed to fatigue, saying fairness in rest days should be observed and describing how Egypt changed accommodations during the tournament while some opponents remained in one location throughout.
While acknowledging that mistakes occurred, Hassan took responsibility as head coach, making it clear that the players themselves were not to blame for the defeat against Senegal. “Any mistakes that occurred are my responsibility as the technical director, not the players’ responsibility,” he asserted. [2]
The Egyptian coach’s comments underscored his respect for the competition and his squad’s commitment amid disappointment, even as his side’s AFCON campaign concluded. Egypt — the continent’s most successful nation with seven titles — now turns its focus to their third‑place playoff against Nigeria following the Senegal defeat.