As Egypt prepares to face Angola in their final Group B match on Monday, December 29, 2025, head coach Hossam Hassan is urging his squad to remain focused. Although the “Pharaohs” have already secured a spot in the knockout rounds, Hassan warned that no opponent is easy in modern African football.
“There is no such thing as an easy team in Africa anymore,” Hassan told reporters. He credited the rapid development of continental football to players competing in elite European and Arab leagues. He added, “I haven’t seen a weak team in any group so far. We must be ready for unexpected results.”
Egypt’s Dominant Run in Group B
Led by Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, Egypt has enjoyed a perfect start to their AFCON 2025 campaign. Currently sitting at the top of Group B, the team has shown both offensive flair and defensive discipline.
Egypt’s journey so far:
- Match 1: A 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe.
- Match 2: A hard-fought 1-0 win against South Africa, secured by a Salah penalty.
- Current Status: Already qualified for the Round of 16. A win or draw against Angola today will confirm them as group winners.
While the team aims to maintain its momentum, coach Hassan has hinted at squad rotation. This strategy aims to keep key players fresh for the high-intensity knockout stages. However, the squad will be without Mohamed Hany, who is suspended following a red card in the previous match.
Angola’s Must-Win Scenario
For Angola, the stakes in today’s match couldn’t be higher. Currently in third place with only one point, the “Palancas Negras” must defeat the seven-time champions to have any hope of progressing.
Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle acknowledged the immense challenge ahead. He noted that Egypt’s depth allows them to field “two equally strong teams.” Angola will need a clinical performance to penetrate an Egyptian defense that has conceded only one goal throughout the tournament.
AFCON 2025: Tournament at a Glance
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is currently being hosted by Morocco. The tournament features 24 nations competing in world-class, renovated stadiums across eight cities.
- Tournament Dates: December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026.
- Today’s Venue: The clash takes place at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir.
- The Final: The tournament concludes with the grand finale in Rabat on January 18.
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