‘We Are The Mother of Arabs and Africa’ - Egypt Coach Slams ‘Jealous’ Rivals as He Claims ‘Unfair’ AFCON Treatment

Egypt coach, Hossam Hassan, has launched an extraordinary tirade following his team's semi-final exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, making wild allegations of unfair treatment and conspiracy against his side.

The Pharaohs, led by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, were defeated 1-0 by Senegal, with former Anfield star Sadio Mané scoring the decisive goal. The loss prompted a furious reaction from Hassan, who claimed the tournament's scheduling was designed to "torture" his team and that other nations are "jealous" of Egypt's historical success.

Following the final whistle, Hassan was seen on the pitch holding up seven fingers, a gesture representing the record number of AFCON titles Egypt has won. As match officials gathered in the center circle, Egyptian players were also seen confronting them, with some reportedly accusing the referees of being paid off.

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A key point of contention for Hassan was the logistical challenge his team faced. Egypt played their semi-final against Senegal in Tangier just four days after a match against Ivory Coast in Agadir, a city located 490 miles away. In contrast, Senegal had an extra day of rest and played their quarter-final in the same stadium where they would later defeat Egypt.

Hassan did not hold back in his post-match comments, suggesting the scheduling was a deliberate move against his team.

"Egypt does not need excuses and apologies," he declared, according to SportyFM. "Egypt is great and no one will dare to win seven titles like us. We just needed fairness like [Senegal]. We played the day after the Senegal match, who are playing in the semi on the same field, and I'm surprised by that."

The coach continued his impassioned critique, questioning the governing body's regulations.

"By what FIFA law is what happened to the Egypt team done? When a team reaches the semis, do you honour it or torture it? It is expected that teams will be given a break fairly among them to see a great semi, but what happened is that the three teams got more rest,” he went on.

"I told the players to ignore [the chants from the stands] and focus," Hassan added. "We are Arabs of Africa, and Egypt is great, the mother of the Arabs and the mother of Africa in terms of history and titles, and everyone is jealous!"

Despite boasting stars like Salah and Manchester City's Omar Marmoush, Egypt's last AFCON title came in 2010, which capped a run of three consecutive championships. The Pharaohs also finished as runners-up in 2021, losing to Senegal in a penalty shootout where Mane scored the winning kick before Salah had a chance to take his.

Following their semi-final loss, Egypt will now compete in the third-place play-off on Saturday. Senegal will advance to the final on Sunday, where they will face hosts Morocco.