Everyone’s Fallible, Even Goalkeepers: Shobier Fires Up Support for Shenaoui Ahead of AFCON Showdown

Support for the veteran keeper ahead of AFCON clash

Ahmed Shobier, the former Egypt and AL Ahly goalkeeper, sent a message of support to Mohamed Shenaoui, who started for the Pharaohs against Zimbabwe in the opening match of Group B at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Egypt beat Zimbabwe 2-1, while Bafana Bafana defeated Angola by the same score in the opening round.

Shenaoui faced broad criticism for his performance against Zimbabwe, with calls for him to sit on the bench.

Shobier’s call for trust and calm

Speaking on radio today, Shobier said Egypt has a veteran in Shenaoui, and that the coach’s decision to field him shows strong faith in his abilities and experience. He urged supporters to accept that trust and back the team.

“Everyone makes mistakes,” he added. “In football, goalkeepers can wobble at times, but we are in a tournament and should not go overboard with criticism.”

He concluded that while criticism is allowed, it must not undermine any player, and that calm and patience will help the team through a long road in the competition.

Fans were reminded to stay patient as the journey unfolds, with the tournament still long and full of twists.

Punchline 1: If goalkeeping were easy, even the post would take up a new hobby.

Punchline 2: In football, the only thing sharper than a striker’s finish is a pundit’s hot take at half-time.