“There is no curse in football”: Hossam Hassan dismisses Egypt’s Senegal fears

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Foot Africa

·13 January 2026

“There is no curse in football”: Hossam Hassan dismisses Egypt’s Senegal fears

AFCON semi-final set for another epic chapter

“There is no curse in football”: Hossam Hassan dismisses Egypt’s Senegal fears

OneFootball Videos

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has dismissed the idea that Senegal represent psychological barrier for his side.

The Egyptian coach stressed that "there is no such thing as curse in football" ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match to be held on Wednesday in Morocco.

Egypt & Senegal meet in high stakes last four clash, a rematch of the 2022 final in Cameroon where the Teranga Lions lifted the trophy on penalties before also denying the Pharaohs place at the Qatar World Cup later that year.

Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference , Hassan made it clear that history will not weigh on his players.

“Senegal are not curse for Egypt” he said. “We are African champions seven times. There is no such thing as curse in football. If rival beats you once , that does not mean anything. Egypt has been ‘curse’ for many teams over the years”

https://twitter.com/EgyptNT_EN/status/2011156513952580068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The Egypt coach stressed that pressure and criticism are part of the job and that his squad thrives on such moments.

“I don’t pay attention to criticism. Pressure is normal. Any provocation or motivational videos only increase the players’ desire to win” he explained.

Hassan was referring to recent Senegal post on social media in which players gestured toward their pockets , accompanied by the phrase “In da pocket” a message some interpreted as overconfidence.

The former Egypt striker , a three time AFCON winner as player highlighted the quality across African football and welcomed the spotlight on Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.

“The African continent is full of great talent that is no less than European players. The competition between Salah & Mané is wonderful and reflects African football in positive way” he said. “They are two great star and each wants to give his best for his country.”

https://twitter.com/FootballSenegal/status/2010399867642990631?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Hassan also underlined his belief in national coaches pointing to Egypt’s most successful eras under figures such as Mahmoud El Gohary and Hassan Shehata while praising Walid Regragui’s impact with Morocco.