"We must learn from missed opportunities," Hossam Hassan comments on the things Egypt needs to improve!

The Egyptian national team coach knows what needs to be improved.

"We must learn from missed opportunities," Hossam Hassan comments on the things Egypt needs to improve!

In the opening match of AFCON 2025 in Morocco for the Egyptian national team, the Pharaohs faced the Zimbabwean national team, who put on a remarkable performance. The match ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of the Egyptian national team after Mohamed Salah shone and impressed, and they were able to put the Pharaohs back on the right track.

Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan breathed a sigh of relief after a tense 2-1 comeback victory over Zimbabwe in their Africa Cup of Nations opener, admitting his side had been given a stern wake-up call.

“We were unlucky in this game. We wasted many chances and made it harder than it should have been,” Hassan confessed in his post-match remarks to BeIN Sports. “I warned the players about this scenario, and we have to learn the lesson.”

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities, the Pharaohs were plagued by poor finishing. Star forwards, including Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’, and Emam Ashour, all failed to convert clear openings. The situation grew alarming when Zimbabwe seized a surprise lead in the first half, forcing Hassan into an early tactical change. He substituted Ashour in the 33rd minute, bringing on Mostafa Mohamed.

“Emam Ashour is a great player, but he is not fully fit yet after a long absence,” the manager explained, justifying his decision. “I chose to take him off to protect him from the pressure.”

The gamble ultimately paid off. Egypt rallied in the second half, with Marmoush restoring parity before captain Mohamed Salah delivered a dramatic winner in stoppage time. While the late goal secured a share of the Group B lead with South Africa, Hassan stressed that the performance was a cautionary tale.

“There are no easy matches in this tournament,” he emphasized. “We want to compete for the title. Egypt is a big nation in Africa and has the right to fight for the trophy.”

The narrow escape serves as a pointed reminder of the challenges ahead as Egypt, the tournament's most successful nation, continues its quest for a record-extending eighth AFCON crown—a trophy they have not lifted since 2010. Their next test comes against South Africa on Friday.