CNA Special AFCON2023: Egypt aiming to extend African record

By Arrey Egbe

Seven-time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt, will be one of the major sides to watch out for in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Pharoahs who hold a record as the team with the most AFCON titles, were the eighth country to qualify for the AFCON 2023.

They competed for qualification in Group D alongside Guinea, Ethiopia and Malawi. The North African giants came from behind to beat Guinea 2-1 on the last day of the AFCON qualifiers to secure a record-extending 26th appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Egypt finished top of Group D and and would be battling for another title at the African jamboree.

The birth of Africa’s most decorated football team

After making their first AFCON appearance in 1957, Egypt has been a frequent member of the continental competition, having played in 26 of 34 AFCON editions – the most of all participants in African history.

Considered the oldest African national football team, Egypt won the inaugural 1957 AFCON and successfully defended it two years later (1959). The Pharaohs had to wait until 1986 to win it for the third time and recorded a fourth title In 1998.

However, the 2000s witnessed the most successful Egyptian side in AFCON as they won the tournament back to back – from 2006 to 2010, expanding their trophy asernal to seven, an African record till date.

The Arab country then missed three AFCON editions (2012 – 2015) before returning in 2017, where Cameroon defeated them 2-1 in the final. They again reached the finals in 2021 but this time losing on penalties to Senegal.

Key players to watch out for

Mohamed Salah

The 31 year-old Liverpool star is considered the most talented African footballer and one of the world’s best currently. Salah has netted 10 goals, 6 assists in 15 games in the English Premier League this season.

The Egyptian captain has helped the Reds win numerous titles, including the Premier League and Champions League, but is yet to win a title with the Pharaohs – a dream he will be holding on to when the Côté d’Ivoire campaign starts in January 2024.

Mostapha Mohamed

The talented forward who joined FC Nantes in the French league 1 on loan from Galatasaray on 21 July 2022, currently has 5 goals in 12 matches.

At 26 year-old, Mostapha has developed into a key player for the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Omar Marmoush

The 24-year-old winger is one of the youngest Egyptians plying their trade in Europe for Eintrancht Franfurt.

Having a height of 1.83m-tall, Marmoush has been able to score 7 goals and provide 1 assist in 16 matches for the Bundesliga top flight club. He is tipped to be a real threat to defenders in the upcoming AFCON.

AFCON 2023 group pairing

Egypt is paired in Group B for the 2023 African Nations Cup alongside four times winner, Ghana,  the Blue Sharks of Cape Verd participating for their fourth time and the Mambas of Mozambique making their 5th appearance.

Egypt is the country that has hosted the most AFCON editions (5 times) – three of them ended with Egypt grabbing gold medals.

Can they lay hands on a record eighth trophy on foreign soil? January awaits!