Star forward Mohamed Salah will captain a formidable 27-man squad as Egypt sets its sights on the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Head coach Rui Vitoria unveiled the team on Saturday, a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers eager to challenge for continental glory.
The core of the squad boasts familiar faces from the 2021 AFCON final, where Egypt fell short against Senegal in a penalty shootout.
Notably absent are Ayman Ashraf and Amr Elsoleymani, while 22-year-old Ahmed Nabil Kouka receives his maiden call-up. Kouka impressed in securing Egypt’s under-23 qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics and recently featured for Al Ahly at the Club World Cup.
Egypt faces a tough test in Group B, kicking off their campaign against Mozambique in Abidjan on January 14th. Subsequent clashes against Ghana and the Cape Verde Islands will determine their path to the knockout stages.
Goalkeepers: Mohamed Abou Gabal, Ahmed El Shennawy (Pyramids), Mohamed El Shennawy (Al Ahly), Mohamed Sobhi (Zamalek)
Defenders: Mohamed Abdelmoneim, Ahmed Fatouh, Ali Gabr, Osama Galal, Mohamed Hamdy (all Pyramids), Mohamed Hany, Ahmed Hegazi, Omar Kamal, Ahmed Samy
Midfielders: Emam Ashour, Marwan Attia (both Al Ahly), Mohamed Elneny, Hamdi Fathi, Mahmoud Hamada, Ahmed Nabil Kouka, Ahmed Zizo
Forwards: Mostafa Fathi, Mahmoud Kahraba, Ahmed Hassan Kouka, Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed, Mohamed Salah, Mahmoud Trezeguet
With the talismanic Salah leading the charge, Egypt harbors high hopes for lifting the trophy on Ivory Coast soil.
The experienced spine of the team, combined with the youthful exuberance of newcomers like Kouka, creates a potent mix capable of going toe-to-toe with any opponent.
The AFCON promises a thrilling spectacle, and Egypt’s journey under Salah’s captaincy will be one to watch closely.
