Pharaohs Triumph, Health Scrutiny: Egypt Advances to AFCON Semis as Football Chief Recovers
10 January 2026
Health update
Hani Abu Rida, the president of the Egyptian Football Association, suffered a health episode during the Ivory Coast quarterfinal clash on Saturday night in Morocco.
Egypt edged Ivory Coast 3-2 to advance to the semifinals.
The Pharaohs will face Senegal on Wednesday.
Hamada El-Sharbini, a board member and head of the squad's delegation in Morocco, told Koora that Abu Rida's condition is stable and improving.
El-Sharbini added that Abu Rida experienced high blood pressure during the match.
He said his condition quickly stabilized and he is following proceedings normally.
Sharbini also noted that Abu Rida watched the remainder of the game on TV, checking in on players and the staff after the final whistle.
Describing his joy at Egypt's progression, Abu Rida expressed hope that the team would press on to lift the trophy and delight the Egyptian fans.
He remained in good spirits and is following medical guidance.
Egypt's run to the semifinals has energized supporters back home.
The federation will provide updates as more details become available.
Meanwhile, fans celebrated a hard-fought win that keeps hopes high for a first AFCON title in years.
Semifinal push and latest updates
During the post-match reflections, officials underscored that Abu Rida's health update is a priority for the federation as it continues to manage the team’s AFCON campaign from afar.
The focus now shifts to the semifinal against Senegal, with the Pharaohs aiming to extend their impressive run in the tournament.
Supporters and stakeholders are hopeful that the team can channel the momentum from a dramatic win into a deep run in Morocco.
Updates from the Egyptian Football Association are expected as the team prepares for the next stage of the competition.
For now, the mood is one of cautious optimism and renewed confidence as Egypt eyes a potential continental title.
