Egypt's national team coach, Hossam Hassan, ignited the competitive atmosphere early before the anticipated clash between the Pharaohs and the Lions of Teranga, commenting confidently on the viral video of Senegal's star player, Sadio Mane, and his teammates, ahead of the decisive match between the two teams tomorrow (Wednesday) in the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations currently being held in Morocco.
Psychological warfare and a controversial video
Social media platforms were abuzz in recent hours with a video showing Sadio Mane and his teammates joking around, putting something in a pocket amidst fits of hysterical laughter. A large segment of Egyptian fans and social media users interpreted this behavior as a veiled provocation directed at the Egyptian national team, suggesting an overconfidence in their ability to easily defeat Egypt and overcome the semi-final hurdle.
Hossam Hassan: This is proof of the fear of the Pharaohs
In a reaction reflecting his extensive experience in handling the psychological pressure of major matches, Hossam Hassan refused to be drawn into the provocation, instead turning it into a strength for his team. During the pre-match press conference ahead of the Senegal game, the veteran coach said, "This type of provocation doesn't affect us negatively; on the contrary, it clearly indicates their anxiety and fear of us.".
The Pharaohs' coach added defiantly, "I'm very pleased with this video from our opponents; it's conclusive proof of their fear of facing the Egyptian national team and its rich history. If they hadn't acted this way and had remained completely calm, it would have been cause for concern, but their nervousness and attempts to project excessive confidence confirm that they fear us." Hassan cited previous instances, saying, "The Ivory Coast national team acted the same way before, trying to provoke us, but we responded effectively and decisively on the pitch.".
A history of conflict and revenge killings
This match holds special significance beyond being merely a continental semi-final; it carries an unforgettable element of revenge for Egyptian fans. The bitter memory of losing the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final in Cameroon to Senegal on penalties, as well as the decisive World Cup qualifier that also favored the Lions of Teranga in the same manner, remains fresh in the minds of supporters. Therefore, the Egyptian national team enters this encounter with its sights set on redemption and reaffirming its dominance of the African continent, especially under the leadership of Hossam Hassan, who seeks to restore the Pharaohs' prestige and fighting spirit.
A tough journey towards the golden square
Neither team had an easy path to this stage. Egypt proved their mettle with a dramatic and thrilling 3-2 victory over a strong Ivory Coast side in the quarterfinals, a match that showcased their attacking development. Meanwhile, Senegal narrowly secured their place in the final with a hard-fought and tactically astute 1-0 win against a resilient Mali side, suggesting that the upcoming match will be a clash between tactical discipline and fierce fighting spirit.
