Egypt's November Playbook: Uzbekistan and Nigeria Set to Test the Pharaohs
26 October 2025
Egypt’s November Prep: Uzbekistan and Nigeria in the Crosshairs
Egypt’s national team, under coach Hossam Hassan, revealed the fixtures for the upcoming November training camp. The Pharaohs will assemble in the United Arab Emirates to take part in a friendly tournament featuring Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, and Iran.
A source told Kooora that Senegal had been invited but declined to play Brazil in a separate friendly, allowing Cape Verde to join the field after their historic World Cup qualification.
Uzbekistan, who earned a first World Cup berth for 2026 under Italian coach Fabio Cannavaro, is set to face Egypt on November 14 in the UAE. Iran and Cape Verde are scheduled to meet in the other semi-final, with the final or third-place match determining the next steps for the two winners and losers.
The Egypt lineup against Uzbekistan is expected to feature Umar Marmoush and Uzbek defender Khusanov, highlighting the clash between players from top clubs and the Uzbek side.
Uzbekistan, guided by Cannavaro, qualified for the 2026 finals and will use this fixture as a gauge ahead of the World Cup showcase in North America.
A Nigeria Friendly
Egypt has also agreed to play a friendly against Nigeria on December 14 in Cairo, before heading to Morocco for AFCON 2025 preparations.
Morocco hosts AFCON 2025 from December 21 to January 18, with 24 teams competing. Egypt are in Group B with South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
Coach Hassan is keen to schedule a warm-up against a top African nation and Nigeria is the chosen opponent for December, with discussions underway about squad availability amid club commitments.
Egypt’s quest to reclaim AFCON glory remains intense, aiming for a title last won in 2010. The Pharaohs boast seven titles in total, with historic triumphs in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010. Finals losses in 2017 and 2021 underscore the ongoing challenge to reclaim continental supremacy.
As the team builds toward Morocco, several domestic-based players are being evaluated, including Ahmed Atif, Salah Mohsen, Imam Ashour, and others, with selection dependent on fitness and scheduling. The overarching goal is clear: restore Africa’s throne to Egypt and honor a legacy of golden generations.
And if ambition meets opportunity, we might see Salah and Marmoush lifting the trophy in a moment that would make even the pyramids smile. Or at least give the press room something to talk about after a long season.
