Hossam Hassan Faces Sharp Criticism Over Controversial Statements

SadaNews - Hossam Hassan, the coach of the Egyptian national team, sparked angry reactions and criticism from some Egyptian analysts following his statements after the team's exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, especially his comments about the "jealousy" of other national teams in the continent over the "Pharaohs'" history in the tournament, and the desire of some for his team not to qualify for the final match.

Egypt's national team bid farewell to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Senegal in the semi-finals by a late goal scored by Sadio Mane with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area.

Hossam Hassan appeared angry after the match, making statements that were described as arrogant, unprofessional, and offensive to other teams in the tournament, which led to strong reactions both inside and outside Egypt.

He began the press conference after the match by criticizing the tournament’s organizing committee, saying that the Senegalese team had one more rest day than the Egyptian team after the quarter-final matches.

He added that fairness was absent in this regard, especially since his team had to travel from Agadir to Tangier, while the Senegalese team remained in the same city where they played the quarter-finals.

He continued, "There were some refereeing mistakes in the match, and I have the right to demand them. I hope FIFA intervenes in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations."

Hossam Hassan accused some people of being jealous of the Egyptian national team, stating, "Egypt is great; it is the mother of Arabs and Africa, with its history, number of championships, and strength. Some are jealous of our winning seven championships in the Africa Cup and wanted us not to qualify for the final match."

Sharp Criticism

Many critics, analysts, and even Egyptian fans were not pleased with Hossam Hassan’s statements, asserting that they are not befitting for a coach of the Egyptian national team.

Murad Ali commented, "Hossam Hassan's statements after the Egyptian team lost to Senegal are not just an excuse for the match result but a method and management style that has become dominant in wide sectors in Egypt."

He added, "Captain Hossam Hassan believes his team was wronged and talks about a conspiracy against him, which is the same rhetoric that officials have become accustomed to repeating on every occasion to justify their failures. The clear truth is that the Egyptian team managed to shoot only once on Senegal's goal throughout a hundred minutes; how can they demand to win?"

Media figure Moataz Al-Shami called for Hossam Hassan’s dismissal from his position, emphasizing that his statements harm the reputation of the national team and the country.

Ahmed Afifi described Hossam Hassan's statements as arrogant and hollow, mocking his claims about the jealousy of some regarding the successes of the Egyptian national team in recent years and their seven titles.

Wail Al-Imam, a member of the general assembly of Al-Ahly Club, shared a video clip of Hossam Hassan’s statements, expressing his dissatisfaction with what was said.

A user named "Tamer Al-Zamalekawi" commented on Hassan's statements, saying, "This is racist talk. I love my country but do not belittle any other country."

Source: Online sites + social media