Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has confirmed his final 28-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with the record seven-time champions opting for stability as they prepare for the tournament in Morocco.

The squad, unveiled on Friday, contains no surprises compared to the list used during the team’s December training camp, with Hassan choosing continuity and experience as the Pharaohs aim to reclaim a title they last won in 2010.

Egypt begin their campaign in Group B, where they will face South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.

Major returns strengthen Egypt’s midfield

One of the headline inclusions is Imam Ashour, who returns to the national team for the first time since June 2024.

The midfielder, previously sidelined by injury after a technical omission, is back to full fitness and seen as a key option in Hassan’s system.

Wingers Mostafa Fathi and Ahmed Eid also make their return after missing the previous camp due to fitness issues, offering additional depth out wide.

However, several recent call-ups did not make the final cut, including Ahmed Nabil “Kouka”, Nabil Emad, and Taher Mohamed Taher.

Defender Mohamed Abdelmonem, who plays for Nice, is absent as he continues rehabilitation from an ACL injury.

Four goalkeepers and a balanced defensive unit

Hassan has opted for four goalkeepers, with veteran Mohamed El Shenawy leading a group that includes Ahmed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, and Mohamed Sobhi.

At the back, the squad features an experienced domestic core, including Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Hamdy, and Ahmed Fatouh, alongside rising centre-backs Hossam Abdelmaguid and Mohamed Ismail.

A midfield built on versatility and creativity

The midfield group mixes defensive stability with attacking creativity.

Hamdi Fathi, Marwan Attia, and Mohanad Lasheen provide structure, while Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet”, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”, and Imam Ashour offer attacking drive.

Forward-thinking options Ibrahim Adel, Mostafa Fathi, and Omar Marmoush complement the leadership of Mohamed Salah, who remains Egypt’s talisman.

A forward line led by Mostafa Mohamed

France-based striker Mostafa Mohamed spearheads the attack, supported by Salah Mohsen and emerging forward Osama Faisal.

Final preparations

Egypt will play one final friendly, facing Nigeria in Cairo on 16 December, before travelling to Morocco.

Under AFCON regulations, teams may name 28 players, though only 23 can be selected for each matchday squad.

With a blend of experience, returning talent and emerging options, Egypt arrive at AFCON 2025 aiming for a deep tournament run.

FULL EGYPT SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers

• Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly)

• Ahmed El Shenawy (Pyramids FC)

• Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly)

• Mohamed Sobhi (Zamalek)

Defenders

• Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly)

• Ahmed Eid (Al Masry)

• Rami Rabia (Al Ain)

• Khaled Sobhi (Al Masry)

• Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly)

• Mohamed Ismail (Zamalek)

• Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek)

• Mohamed Hamdy (Pyramids)

• Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek)

Midfielders

• Marwan Attia (Al Ahly)

• Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah)

• Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids)

• Mahmoud Saber (ZED FC)

• Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek)

• Imam Ashour (Al Ahly)

• Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” (Al Ahly)

• Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” (Al Ahly)

• Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazira)

• Mostafa Fathi (Pyramids)

• Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)

• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Forwards

• Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes)

• Salah Mohsen (Al Masry)

• Osama Faisal (National Bank of Egypt SC)