Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, selecting a blend of seasoned stars and emerging talents as the Pharaohs chase an eighth continental crown.
The seven-time champions will compete in the tournament from December 21 to January 18, with Hassan expressing confidence that his roster “combines experience and youth” capable of restoring Egypt to the summit of African football.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah headlines the list and remains the team’s talisman. He is joined by Manchester City’s Mohamed (Omar) Marmoush and Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed, who are expected to inject energy and attacking versatility.
Only a handful of players in the squad ply their trade outside Egypt, including Ibrahim Adel and Rahim Rabia from the UAE league, but Hassan says his focus was on building cohesion and balance rather than chasing big-name call-ups.
Hassan has selected four goalkeepers, led by Al Ahly’s Mohamed El Shenawy, who retains his status as the country’s first choice. Ahmed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir and Mohamed Sobhi complete a competitive group of shot-stoppers.
In defence, Hassan opted for continuity mixed with fresh legs. Mohammed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim and Ahmed Fatouh bring significant international experience, while Hossam Abdel-Maguid and Khaled Sobhi add youthful strength to the back line.
According to the technical crew, the defensive setup offers a “solid mix of physical presence and tactical maturity” crucial for a tricky Group B.
Egypt’s midfield features a wide blend of ball-winners, playmakers and box-to-box athletes. Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi and Mohannad Lasheen provide stability, while Emam Ashour, Mohamed Shehata, Mahmoud Trezeguet and Ahmed Zizo offer creativity and attacking link-up play.
Salah also appears under the midfield category due to Egypt’s flexible attacking structure, joining Omar Marmoush, Ibrahim Adel and Mostafa Fathi in a unit designed for tactical versatility. Up front, Mostafa Mohamed is expected to spearhead the attack as Egypt’s primary goal threat. He will be supported by Salah Mohsen and Osama Faisal, who both bring movement and pace.
Preparations begin with an open training camp on December 3, which will transition into a closed camp on December 7. A high-profile friendly against Nigeria on December 14 in Cairo will serve as their final test before departing for Morocco on December 17.
Egypt open their AFCON campaign against Zimbabwe on December 22, before facing South Africa and later Angola in a competitive Group B.
Egypt’s Final 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers:
Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly)
Ahmed El Shenawy (Pyramids)
Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly)
Mohamed Sobhi (Zamalek)
Defenders:
Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly)
Ahmed Eid (Al Masry)
Ramy Rabia (Al Ain)
Khaled Sobhi (Al Masry)
Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly)
Mohamed Ismail (Zamalek)
Hossam Abdel-Maguid (Zamalek)
Mohamed Hamdy (Pyramids)
Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek)
Midfielders:
Marwan Attia (Al Ahly)
Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids)
Mahmoud Saber (Zed)
Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek)
Emam Ashour (Al Ahly)
Ahmed Mostafa Zizo (Al Ahly)
Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly)
Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazira, UAE)
Mostafa Fathi (Pyramids)
Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Forwards:
Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes)
Salah Mohsen (Al Masry)
Osama Faisal (Al Ahly Bank)
