Egypt prepared for any AFCON opponent, claims Hassan

Egypt boss Hossam Hassan insisted that his side are ready to face any opponent as they have their eyes set on Africa Cup of Nations glory.

Egypt booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the tournament with a 3-1 win over Benin after extra time, with Yasser Ibrahim and Mohamed Salah getting on the scoresheet after Jodel Dossou cancelled out Marwan Attia’s opener.

Salah scored his 10th goal in the AFCON, the third-highest tally for an Egyptian player in the competition, behind Hassan (11) and Hassan El-Shazly (12).

And with three goals, Salah has already had his most prolific AFCON in terms of goals scored (two in 2017, 2019 and 2021).

Egypt will face either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the last eight, though they will be without Mohamed Hamdy, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Hassan was delighted with Egypt’s win over Benin before stating that his side are prepared to face anyone as they search for continental glory.

“I dedicate this victory to the Egyptian people,” Hassan said. “At the same time , I’m deeply saddened by Mohamed Hamdy’s ACL injury. He is very important player for us.

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“We are happy with the win and qualification. This is one of the strongest AFCON tournaments in recent years. Benin are a respectable team and played very well. As I always say there are no easy teams in Africa.

“I respect all teams but as Egypt, we always aim to win and fight for the title.

“Football does not recognise history. It recognises performance on the pitch. Our players have shown great spirit and I thank them for everything they have given so far in this tournament.”