Hossam Hassan defends Egypt’s AFCON campaign after Nigeria defeat on penalties | OneFootball

Egypt coach reframes defeat as foundation for growth

Hossam Hassan defends Egypt’s AFCON campaign after Nigeria defeat on penalties

Hossam Hassan stood firm after Egypt lost to Nigeria on penalties in the AFCON third place match insisting the tournament marked real progress.

“We reached the last day”

Hassan did not speak like defeated coach. Instead he spoke like someone convinced Egypt had moved forward. He said the team reached the final day of the Africa Cup of Nations and delivered more than anyone expected before the tournament began.

Facing Nigeria he added was never simple. The Egyptian coach believed both teams had the quality to reach the final but small details not ability, decided the outcome in the semi finals and again in the playoff match.

Penalties, luck and late shocks

The shootout loss did not trouble Hassan as much as the circumstances around the match. He reminded that penalties ruled by luck and goalkeepers no matter how much teams prepare for them.

More damaging, he revealed, were the absences. Egypt were missing nearly half their squad. Two suspension were only confirmed late at night after tactical meetings had already finished leaving little room to adjust plans.

Hassan repeatedly returned to one point, this was a local group. Most of the squad came from the Egyptian league and many were playing in their first AFCON. Compared to rivals stacked with Europe based players , Egypt were still learning.

Despite that the coach noted that Egypt have lost only one official match under his watch and even that came via penalties.

Looking beyond the result

Asked about fan reactions in the stands, Hassan avoided criticism. He spoke instead about unity recalling how African and Arab teams have supported each other on the world stage.

He closed with a message that felt both defiant & calm, decisions never random , every match has its context and expectations should remain high.