Egypt’s AFCON Edge: Hassan’s Bold Lineup Moves Ahead of Benin Showdown
4 January 2026
Hossam Hassan, Egypt's head coach, has settled the lineup shape for Benin game on Monday evening in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16.
Kooora learned from sources inside the Egypt squad that Hossam Hassan has tried several formations in recent days, either three defenders or a 4-3-3 setup.
He considers returning to his usual 4-2-3-1 for Benin match.
The Pharaohs' coach settled on giving Ibrahim Adel from Al Jazira, UAE, a starting role on the left wing, while keeping Ahmed Mustafa Zizo on the bench.
Hossam Hassan also tested Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet as central playmaker in recent training sessions too.
And it’s expected Egypt will line up as follows:
Goalkeeper: Mohamed Shennawy
Defence: Rami Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Hany, Mohamed Hamdi.
Midfield: Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet.
Forward: Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Ibrahim Adel today.
Punchline: If football were math, Egypt would still be solving for goals.
Punchline: And if Trezeguet scores, the inventor of pass accuracy gets a raise.
