The Pharaohs of Egypt, proudly holding the record for the most TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations titles with seven crowns, have set their sights on extending their record at the upcoming tournament in Cote d’Ivoire. Star midfielder Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan, commonly known as Trezeguet, has boldly affirmed the team’s lofty ambitions as they arrived in Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday.
Egypt, drawn in the challenging Group B, will be based in the capital, Abidjan, where they face stiff competition from Ghana, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. The presence of such formidable opponents in their group underscores the challenges that lie ahead for the Pharaohs in their quest for an unprecedented eighth title.
Trezeguet, a former Aston Villa player, is no stranger to the pressures and highs of the AFCON, as he prepares for his fourth appearance in the tournament. However, the memories of the recent past weigh heavy on him and his teammates. Egypt has come agonizingly close to increasing their tally in the last two editions, only to fall at the final hurdle – losing to Cameroon in 2017 and to Senegal in 2021 in Cameroon.
Reflecting on these painful experiences, Trezeguet voiced the team’s determination to rewrite the narrative this time around. “It is really difficult to lose two finals. It is painful but we will try again to get the title. We must have what we deserve, and we hope that this time luck will be on our side and that God will help us,” he stated.
Egypt’s campaign kicks off against Mozambique on Sunday, 14 January, a match that will set the tone for their tournament. This is followed by what promises to be a high-octane clash against Ghana, and they round off their group stage with a fixture against Cape Verde on 22 January.
The Pharaohs’ approach to each game, treating them as finals, reflects their intense focus and the high stakes at play. With a mix of experienced players like Trezeguet and fresh talent, Egypt looks determined to reclaim their spot at the pinnacle of African football.
The pressure, expectations, and hopes of millions of Egyptians rest on the shoulders of Trezeguet and his teammates as they embark on their quest for glory. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Egypt, a team with a rich history and a burning desire to extend their legacy in the annals of African football
