Four-time African champion Ahmed Hassan hails AFCON organization, backs Egypt’s AFCON title bid

Legendary former Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan has praised the organization and rising standards of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, describing the tournament as “top-notch” as Africa’s biggest football spectacle continues to gather momentum following a successful conclusion of Match Day 01 Fixtures in Morocco.

Hassan, a four-time AFCON champion, is in Morocco as one of CAF’s official Ambassadors, lending his voice and experience to a competition he once dominated with the Pharaohs.

“Our Moroccan brothers have done a fantastic job. From a technical perspective, the level of play is increasing with every match, and you can see teams growing stronger on the pitch. Overall, everything has been going very well.”

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in African football history, Hassan was a central figure in Egypt’s unprecedented AFCON hat-trick in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Reflecting on that golden era, the African football icon highlighted the importance of unity, mentality and pride in the national jersey — qualities he believes remain essential for success today.

“We had an immense passion for the Egyptian jersey and a deep understanding of what it meant to represent the national team. That made a huge difference. Winning also gives you a psychological advantage — once you start lifting trophies, you want more. Our group was constantly motivated to compete and to win.”

Hassan acknowledged the quality within the current Egyptian squad, noting their recent AFCON final appearances in 2017 and 2021, while stressing that collective strength remains the key to reclaiming continental glory.

“This generation is talented and has many outstanding players. They came very close but were unfortunate not to win the title. The opportunity is still there for them, and I am proud to have been part of the generation that won three successive AFCON titles”, said Hassan.

While Mohamed Salah continues to lead Egypt as a global superstar, Hassan was clear that individual brilliance alone cannot guarantee success at international level.

“Salah is a world-class player, without question, but football is a team sport,” he noted. “Success comes when everyone plays for the jersey, for the team, and for the country.”

The CAF Ambassador also praised the emergence of forward Omar Marmoush, identifying him as a key creative outlet capable of making the difference in tight matches.

Looking ahead to Egypt’s Friday’s encounter against South Africa who knocked them out of the quarterfinals on home soil in 2019, Hassan reiterated that the Pharaohs remain perennial contenders and that Egypt remains a strong team.

“The next game against South Africa will be tough — they are a strong team — but we are still Egypt. If we are worried about them, they should be a hundred times more worried about us,” he added with confidence.

The Pharaohs take on South Africa in their next group B match on Friday at 16h00 at the Grande Stade D’Agadir.