AFCON 2023: Pharaohs of Egypt dream 8th title Cote d’Ivoire
As the clock ticks gradually to the kickoff of AFCON 2023 in Cote d’ Ivoire, the Pharaohs of Egypt will be hoping to claim their eight titles while making appearances in the continental fiesta for the 26th time in its history.
The Pharaohs hold the record for the most titles won in Africa’s flagship football competition with seven final triumphs.
Egypt also holds the record for hosting the tournament more times than any other country, having staged the event five times, with the latest being in 2019.
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The Egyptian national team, the runner-up in the last edition in 2021, aims to reclaim continental glory and return to the winner’s podium, which it hasn’t reached since the 2010 edition in Angola.
The seven-time winners have been placed in Grpup B to face Mozambique, Ghana, and Cape Verde.
How Egypt Qualified
The Egyptian national team finished top of Group D of the qualifiers, accumulating 15 points from winning 5 matches and losing one match. The defeat occurred in the away match against Ethiopia in the second round. Egypt’s attack scored a total of 10 goals, while its defence conceded only three goals.
Player to Watch: Omar Marmoush
Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga, is one of the key players to watch in Cote d’Ivoire. The 24-year-old, known for his versatility as a left-winger and a striker, possesses speed, excellent dribbling skills, and the ability to easily penetrate the opponent’s defence. Marmoush aims to showcase his technical abilities during the competition and demonstrate his goal-scoring prowess.
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Coach: Rui Vitoria
The Egyptian Football Association appointed Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria as the head coach of the national team in July 2022. The 53-year-old coach seeks to lead the Egyptian team to its eighth continental title, especially after reaching the final as the runner-up in the previous edition in 2021. Vitoria’s coaching style emphasises intense pressure and direct attacking play, particularly in the first half, while focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacks in the second half.
Egypt’s Group B matches
January 14, 2024
– Egypt vs. Mozambique at 17:00 GMT, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
January 18, 2024
– Egypt vs. Ghana at 20:00 GMT, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
January 22, 2024
– Cape Verde vs. Egypt at 20:00 GMT, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
Egypt’s Record at AFCON
– 1957: Champion
– 1959: Champion
– 1962: Runner-up
– 1963: Bronze Medal
– 1970: Bronze Medal
– 1972: Did not qualify
– 1974: Bronze Medal
– 1980: Fourth Place
– 1984: Fourth Place
– 1986: Champion
– 1988: Group Stage
– 1990: Group Stage
– 1992: Group Stage
– 1994: Quarter-finals
– 1996: Quarter-finals
– 1998: Champion
– 2000: Quarter-finals
– 2002: Quarter-finals
– 2004: Group Stage
– 2006: Champion
– 2008: Champion
– 2010: Champion
– 2012: Did not qualify
– 2013: Did not qualify
– 2015: Did not qualify
– 2017: Runner-up
– 2019: Round of 16
– 2021: Runner-up