Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has announced his final 28-man squad for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, selecting a group that he believes can restore the nation to the top of African football.

The seven-time champions will compete in the tournament from 21 December to 18 January, with hopes of mounting another title run.

Hassan has opted for a selection that combines veteran leadership with emerging players, emphasising balance across all areas of the pitch.

The squad includes only a small number of overseas-based footballers, but the headline name remains Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, the captain and focal point of Egypt’s front line.

The coach has also called up Mohamed Marmoush of Manchester City and Mostafa Mohamed of FC Nantes, who are expected to provide attacking dynamism and depth.

Ibrahim Adel and Rahim Rabia, who play in the Emirati league, add international versatility to the group.

With Egypt aiming to reclaim the continental title, Hassan said he has relied on a squad that “combines experience and youth, hoping to achieve the desired results in the upcoming competitions.”

Strong goalkeeping options and balanced defensive line

Four goalkeepers have been selected, led by the experienced Mohamed El Shenawy of Al Ahly, who remains the first-choice option.

His club teammate Mostafa Shobeir, alongside Ahmed El Shenawy and Mohamed Sobhi, complete a unit that offers both depth and competition.

Defensively, Egypt have opted for a blend of familiarity and youthful energy.

Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim and Ahmed Fatouh bring international experience, while younger names like Hossam Abdel-Maguid and Khaled Sobhi add pace and physicality. 

According to the coaching staff, the back line forms “a balanced mix of physical strength and international experience,” crucial for navigating a demanding Group B.

Midfield creativity and leadership at the core

Egypt’s midfield features a wide range of profiles and stands out as the engine room of the squad. Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi, Mohannad Lasheen, Emam Ashour and Mohamed Shehata are joined by influential playmakers Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Mahmoud Trezeguet.

Salah also appears on the midfield list as part of Egypt’s flexible front-midfield structure, alongside Omar Marmoush, Ibrahim Adel and Mostafa Fathi. Hassan believes this variety offers tactical versatility and creativity across the pitch.

Forward options led by Mostafa Mohamed

Egypt’s attack will be spearheaded by Mostafa Mohamed, who continues to establish himself as a central figure in the Pharaohs’ frontline.

He is joined by Salah Mohsen and Osama Faisal, completing a trio tasked with providing goals in Morocco.

Egypt’s AFCON pathway in Group B

The record seven-time African champions will open their Group B campaign against Zimbabwe on 22 December.

They will then face a difficult challenge against South Africa before concluding the group stage against Angola. With a mix of established stars and new talent, Egyptian supporters will be expecting a strong showing as the team looks to reclaim continental supremacy.

The Pharaohs will begin an open training camp on 3 December before shifting into a closed camp four days later.

A friendly against Nigeria in Cairo on 14 December will serve as their final warm-up match, before the team departs for Morocco on 17 December to complete preparations for the continental finals.

Egypt’s 28-man squad for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers:

Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly)
Ahmed El Shenawy (Pyramids)
Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly)
Mohamed Sobhi (Zamalek)

Defenders:

Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly)
Ahmed Eid (Al Masry)
Ramy Rabia (Al Ain)
Khaled Sobhi (Al Masry)
Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly)
Mohamed Ismail (Zamalek)
Hossam Abdel-Maguid (Zamalek)
Mohamed Hamdy (Pyramids)
Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek)

Midfielders:

Marwan Attia (Al Ahly)
Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids)
Mahmoud Saber (Zed)
Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek)
Emam Ashour (Al Ahly)
Ahmed Mostafa Zizo (Al Ahly)
Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet (Al Ahly)
Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazira, UAE)
Mostafa Fathi (Pyramids)
Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Forwards:

Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes)
Salah Mohsen (Al Masry)
Osama Faisal (Al Ahly Bank)