RABAT: Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has lauded the high standards on show at the Africa Cup of Nations, describing the ongoing tournament in Morocco as a “ferocious” contest as his side gear up for Wednesday’s semi-final clash.
The 59-year-old former striker, a three-time AFCON winner as a player, is experiencing the competition from the touchline for the first time and has guided Egypt into the last four in their bid to end a long wait for continental glory since 2010.
“The standard of African football has increased markedly,” Hassan said on Tuesday. “The quality of players in each team has been very impressive. There are world-class performers everywhere, not just experienced stars but also young players with match-winning ability and incredible skill.”
Seven-time champions Egypt face a daunting challenge against Senegal in Tangiers and will start as underdogs, but Hassan believes the tournament’s intensity reflects the rapid rise in African football’s global standing.
