As Egypt gears up for its 26th appearance in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, the Pharaohs are setting their sights on reclaiming continental glory in the upcoming tournament scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast in January 2024.
With an impressive record of seven titles, Egypt stands as the most decorated team in the history of Africa’s premier football competition.
The Pharaohs also hold the distinction of hosting the tournament five times, the latest being in 2019. However, the North African powerhouse has not tasted victory since the 2010 edition in Angola, and the team is eager to return to the winner’s podium.
Drawn into Group B alongside Mozambique, Ghana, and Cape Verde, Egypt faces a challenging path in the group stage. The fixtures for Group B are as follows:
- 14 January, 2024: Egypt vs. Mozambique at 17:00 GMT, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
- 18 January, 2024: Egypt vs. Ghana at 20:00 GMT, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
- 22 January, 2024: Cape Verde vs. Egypt at 20:00 GMT, Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.
Egypt secured its place in the AFCON by finishing atop Group D in the qualifiers, amassing 15 points from five wins and one defeat. The team’s attack scored a total of 10 goals, while the defense conceded only three.
One player to watch during the tournament is Omar Marmoush, the 24-year-old forward from Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga.
Known for his versatility as a left-winger and a striker, Marmoush brings speed, excellent dribbling skills, and a knack for penetrating opponents’ defenses. His technical prowess and goal-scoring abilities make him a key asset for Egypt.
Guiding the Pharaohs is Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria, appointed by the Egyptian Football Association in July 2022. Vitoria, 53, aims to lead the team to its eighth continental title, building on their runner-up finish in the 2021 edition.
Vitoria’s coaching style emphasizes intense pressure and direct attacking play in the first half, coupled with defensive solidity and counter-attacks in the second half.
As Egypt looks to add another chapter to its illustrious AFCON history, the team is eager to make a strong statement in Ivory Coast and bring home the coveted trophy once again.
The journey begins with the group stage clashes, where the Pharaohs aim to showcase their prowess and set the stage for a triumphant campaign.
Egypt’s remarkable record in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations spans from its inaugural championship in 1957 to the runner-up finish in 2021.
With three championships in the 2000s (2006, 2008, 2010), Egypt seeks to add another chapter to its storied legacy, setting ambitious targets for the upcoming tournament in Ivory Coast.
