Egypt Coach Blasts CAF Over Suspension Timing Ahead of Nigeria Showdown

Egypt's coach blasts CAF over suspension timing ahead of Nigeria clash

Hossam Hassan, Egypt's head coach, blasted CAF for the timing of disciplinary suspensions against Marwan Attia and Salah Mohsen ahead of Egypt's third-place clash with Nigeria at AFCON 2025.

CAF handed the two players two-match bans after they directed insulting gestures toward the referee of the semi-final defeat to Senegal. The decision came a night after vital training sessions.

Egypt ultimately lost to Nigeria 2-4 on penalties after a goalless draw, finishing fourth in the tournament.

Hassan said in a post-match press conference that several key players were missing, including Ahmed Fattouh, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Hamdi, and Hossam Abdel-Meguid. The team endured the blow but stayed focused.

Added he: 'Marwan and Salah were suspended Friday evening during dinner after we finished the main training and set the plan; I gave clear instructions and they were in my calculations'.

He continued: 'We learned of the suspension before sleep; there was time to be told earlier, to us'.

Added he: 'I wasn't surprised by the decision; the team is largely home-grown from the Egyptian league, with Salah, Marmouh, and Mustafa Mohamed exceptions'.

Punchline: If CAF's timing were a pass, it would never reach its target. Or maybe the only thing quicker than CAF's decisions is a text from my aunt.