Locals Lead the Charge: Egypt's AFCON 2025 Surprise

Locals Take Center Stage as Egypt's AFCON 2025 Narrative Shifts

Former Egypt captain Wael Gomaa commented after AFCON 2025 in Morocco that the squad's core relied on domestic players. He noted the third-place loss to Nigeria on penalties after a goalless draw and stressed the balance between locals and abroad-based stars.

He highlighted Yasser Ibrahim as Egypt's standout, adding that success comes from collective effort, not names. Six Egyptians shone abroad during the tournament.

Gomaa's verdict underscores a growing trend in modern football, depth comes from homegrown talent driving the team, not from a single big name signing.

Egypt's squad featured six players based outside the country, including Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, Omar Marmoush linked to Manchester City, Mustafa Mohamed of Nantes, Hamdi Fathi of Al Wakrah, Rami Rabia of Al Ain, and Ibrahim Adel of Al Jazira.

In the end, Gomaa's message was clear football remains a collective game where effort and unity matter more than fame.

Note to scouts grab homegrown talent before they realize coffee is enough to fund a private jet

And if locker room pep talks start sounding like a local hero montage, just smile and pretend it is a transfer fee you did not see coming