Presidential Pep Talk Fires Up Egypt's AFCON Title Quest
6 January 2026
Ministry rally after last-16 win
Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Egypt's Minister of Youth and Sports, convened a meeting with the national team, in the presence of Hany AbuRida, head of the Football Association, after the team's advancement to the AFCON quarterfinals in Morocco.
The minister attended the Round of 16 win over Benin, a 3-1 victory on Monday evening.
He delivered a message from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to the players, stating they are watched and expected to deliver in the coming stage.
Hope and resilience on the road ahead
Sobhi expressed happiness at reaching the quarterfinals and called it a crucial step toward reclaiming the title last won in 2010.
Football is the fans' main escape, he said, highlighting the public's hunger for success.
Hany AbuRida added that the current generation includes top players who can raise Egypt's name, and he wished a speedy recovery to left-back Mohamed Hamdi after an ACL injury.
Captain Mohamed Salah thanked the minister and the federation for their support, noting that preparations will begin immediately for the quarterfinal against the winner of the Côte d'Ivoire vs Burkina Faso.
Humor note: And yes, if motivation were a free kick, Egypt would score from midfield. Punchline 1: If motivation were a soccer ball, Egypt would boot it into the net from the center circle. Punchline 2: The trophy might need a bigger stadium as the hype reaches full blast.
