SOCCER: Unbeaten Egypt find balance under Hassan at Africa Cup of Nations

CAIRO – When Hossam Hassan was appointed as Egypt’s coach in early 2024, questions were raised about his credentials. The team had long been accustomed to foreign managers, and while Hassan was Egypt’s all-time leading scorer and a celebrated striker, his coaching experience was limited to a handful of domestic clubs with little notable success.

Nearly two years into his tenure, however, Egypt appear to be moving in the right direction. The Pharaohs secured a smooth passage to the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with seven points from their group, ending a streak of six consecutive draws across the previous two editions of the tournament.

Egypt became the first team to reach the last 16, registering wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa before closing the group stage with a goalless draw against Angola on Monday. The team fielded a second-string side in that match, having already secured the top spot in their group.

Their performance has sparked hope that Egypt could finally break a long drought, chasing a title they have not won since lifting their seventh and most recent trophy in 2010. Previous coaches, including Argentinian Hector Cuper and Portuguese Carlos Queiroz, had guided Egypt to finals in 2017 and 2021 but fell short, prolonging the nation’s wait for another crown.

“Hossam Hassan has been an idol for us since we were young. He is a great coach tactically, but he also gives us strength with his fighting spirit,” winger Mahmoud Trezeguet said Sunday. “In the past, we had excellent coaches who took us to finals, but this time I feel our spirit is different under Hossam Hassan.”

Tactical Flexibility

Hassan, known for his animated style and past fiery outbursts, has largely kept a calm head as national coach. While he has always been praised for motivating his players and instilling a fighting spirit, critics questioned whether he had the tactical acumen to lead a team of Egypt’s stature.

He has silenced those doubts with a flexible approach. Under Hassan, Egypt qualified smoothly for both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup, remaining unbeaten in major competitive matches, with 12 wins and five draws.

Against weaker opponents, Hassan often employs a bold attacking style led by Premier League forwards Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Against stronger teams or in challenging away matches, Egypt tends to play more cautiously, strengthening their defense.

In the opening 2-1 comeback win over Zimbabwe, Egypt created numerous scoring chances, while in the subsequent 1-0 victory over South Africa, they focused on defensive solidity after right back Mohamed Hany was sent off just before halftime.

“While a coach who frequently changes his style of play may be seen as lacking a clear philosophy, the results tell a different story,” football pundit Ahmed Ezzeldin said. “Egypt have become more flexible under Hossam Hassan.” -Reporting by Hatem MaherEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters