Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, expressing confidence that the selected group can restore the Pharaohs to the summit of African football.

The seven-time African champions—last crowned in 2010—will compete in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January, aiming to reclaim continental dominance after falling short in recent editions.

Hassan’s squad blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent, retaining a core of domestically based players while relying on a handful of overseas stars to offer attacking flair and leadership.

Salah Headlines Limited Overseas Cast

Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah leads the team both as captain and offensive focal point, headlining a modest group of foreign-based players.

Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed also made the final cut, with Hassan describing them as key to providing “attacking dynamism and depth.”

UAE-based duo Ibrahim Adel and Rahim Rabia add versatility from the Emirati league, rounding out the international contingent.

Goalkeeping and Defence: Depth and Balance

The goalkeeping department features four options, topped by long-time No. 1 Mohamed El Shenawy of Al Ahly. He is joined by Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), Ahmed El Shenawy (Pyramids) and Mohamed Sobhi (Zamalek), providing depth and strong domestic familiarity.

In defence, the coach has opted for a balanced mix of seasoned internationals and youthful energy. Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, and Ahmed Fatouh bring high-level experience, while younger defenders such as Hossam Abdel-Maguid and Khaled Sobhi inject pace and physicality.

The coaching crew described the defensive unit as “a balanced mix of physical strength and international exposure”—a key requirement for navigating a competitive Group B.

Midfield: Egypt’s Engine Room

Hassan’s midfield selection emphasises creativity, tactical flexibility and leadership. The group includes Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi, Mohannad Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Mohamed Shehata and Mahmoud Trezeguet, alongside creative spark Ahmed Sayed Zizo.

Salah appears on the official list as part of a hybrid front-midfield structure, joined by Omar Marmoush, Ibrahim Adel and Mostafa Fathi—a quartet expected to drive Egypt’s creative and transitional play.

Attack: Mostafa Mohamed to Lead the Line

Europe-based forward Mostafa Mohamed will spearhead the attack as he continues to establish himself as Egypt’s primary striker. He is supported by Salah Mohsen and Osama Faisal, who complete the forward trio tasked with delivering goals in Morocco.

Egypt’s AFCON Pathway and Preparations

The Pharaohs begin their AFCON campaign in Group B, opening against Zimbabwe on 22 December, followed by a tough encounter with South Africa, before concluding the group stage against Angola.

Egypt will commence an open training camp on 3 December, which will transition to a closed camp on 7 December. Their final pre-tournament friendly comes against Nigeria on 14 December in Cairo, before departing for Morocco on 17 December.

Hossam Hassan expressed optimism as he looks to guide Egypt to an eighth continental title, saying the squad “combines experience and youth, hoping to achieve the desired results in the upcoming competitions.”

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Cameroon have omitted goalkeeper Andre Onana from their squad for the Africa Cup of Nations starting this month in Morocco and appointed David Pagou as coach to replace Belgian Marc Brys.

Onana, on loan at Trabzonspor from Manchester United, is one of several experienced players dropped for the December 21 to January 18 tournament, including striker Vincent Aboubakar, who has been a mainstay of the team for the last 15 years.

The changes come after Cameroon failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Manchester United winger Bryan Mbeumo is in the squad along with Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.

The country’s football federation President Samuel Eto’o has made no secret of his desire to replace Brys, 63, since the latter’s April 2024 appointment by the sports ministry and has tried several times before.

Emboldened by his re-election as president last weekend, Eto’o has had another go and replaced the Belgian with 56-year-old Pagou, who has managed in Cameroon’s domestic league and will be assisted by Martin Ntoungou Mpile.

Cameroon open their Group F campaign at the Cup of Nations finals against Gabon in Agadir on December 24. They also have defending champions Ivory Coast and Mozambique in their pool.

Cameroon squad:

Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy (Dinamo Bucharest), Simon Omossola (St Eloi Lupopo), Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Montpellier), Edouard Sombang (Colombe Du Dja)

Defenders: Samuel Kotto (Gent), Gerzino Nyamsi (Lokomotiv Moscow), Jean-Charles Castelletto (Al-Duhail), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders), Flavien Enzo Boyomo (Osasuna), Mahamadou Nagida (Rennes), Christopher Wooh (Spartak Moscow), Junior Tchamadeu (Stoke City), Darlin Yongwa (FC Lorient)

Midfielders: Martin Ndzie (Rapid Vienna), Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion), Arthur Avom (FC Lorient), Eric-Junior Dina Ebimbe (Brest), Brice Ambina (Valerenga), Jean Junior Onana (Genoa), Olivier Kemen (Istanbul B.B)

Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United), Christian Bassogog (Al-Okhdood), George-Kevin N’koudou (Al-Diriyah), Danny Namaso (Auxerre), Frank Magri (Toulouse), Karl Etta Eyong (Levante), Christian Kofane (Bayer Leverkusen), Patrick Soko (Almeria)

-Reuters

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With exactly 20 days to the kickoff of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, South Africa have stolen a march on the rest of the continent after head coach Hugo Broos became the first manager to officially unveil his final tournament squad.

The Belgian tactician on Monday released a 25-man list that blends proven international quality with a bold injection of youth, as Bafana Bafana aim to surpass their impressive third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

Broos retained nine players from the bronze-winning team, including AFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament Ronwen Williams, while also handing opportunities to two uncapped 20-year-olds — Shandre Campbell of Club Brugge and Queens Park Rangers’ Tylon Smith. Both youngsters have had limited senior action this season, yet the coach insists their inclusion is part of a long-term plan.

“I’m also looking a little to the future with this selection,” Broos said. “We have to do at least the same as we did at the last Cup of Nations, which is reaching the semi-finals. We’re going with a lot more experience now, and the team has become far more mature over the last two years.”

South Africa, who have already qualified for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, will open their AFCON campaign on December 22 against Angola in Marrakech. They share Group B with Egypt and Zimbabwe.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers:
Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders:
Samukele Kabini (Molde), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Siyabonga Ngezana (Steaua Bucharest), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Tylon Smith (Queens Park Rangers)

Midfielders:
Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela)

Forwards:
Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Shandre Campbell (Club Brugge), Lyle Foster (Burnley), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al Ettifaq)

Broos’ early announcement sets the tone ahead of the continental showpiece, with Bafana Bafana now turning full attention to fine-tuning preparations for a tournament they hope will mark another chapter in their renewed rise.

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