Egypt’s preparations for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 have shifted into full gear, with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) still in negotiations with Liverpool over the release date of star captain Mohamed Salah.
While much of the international conversation has centred on how long the Premier League could be without its biggest African stars, the real focus in Cairo is clear: ensuring the Pharaohs arrive in Morocco with maximum readiness — and their biggest weapons available early.
🇪🇬 Egypt Push for Early Salah Release
Salah is set to lead Egypt at AFCON 2025, which kicks off for the Pharaohs on 22 December. But the EFA is hoping to have the Liverpool talisman even earlier for a high-profile warm-up friendly against Nigeria on 14 December.
That match is seen as a crucial final test for Hossam Hassan’s side as they fine-tune combinations and sharpen their attack ahead of a demanding Group B campaign.
Talks between Egypt and Liverpool are ongoing, with the EFA pushing for cooperation similar to past tournaments. Egypt are also engaged in discussions with Manchester City regarding forward Omar Marmoush, another key figure in the squad’s attacking plans.
📝 Egypt’s AFCON 2025 Fixtures (Morocco)
Group B – Morocco 2025
- 22 December 2025: Egypt 🇪🇬 vs Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
- 26 December 2025 (Boxing Day): Egypt 🇪🇬 vs South Africa 🇿🇦
- 30 December 2025: Egypt 🇪🇬 vs Angola 🇦🇴
If Egypt progress, the knockout stages will run through early January, with the AFCON 2025 final set for 18 January 2026.
Should the Pharaohs reach the final, Salah would only return to club action around 24 January, but inside Egyptian circles, the focus is not the Premier League — it’s delivering a long-awaited eighth African title.
🇪🇬 Egypt’s Build-Up: Precision, Experience & Momentum
The Pharaohs are targeting a deep run in Morocco, and their preparation strategy reflects that ambition:
✔️ A strong, experienced core
Salah, Marmoush, Hegazi, Elneny, and Abdelmonem form the backbone of a squad built on leadership and AFCON pedigree.
✔️ High-level warm-up matches
Negotiations for the Nigeria friendly underline Egypt’s intention to test themselves against top-tier opposition.
✔️ Early camp, tactical refinement
Egypt plan to assemble their squad well before the opening match, allowing Hossam Hassan to cement his tactical structure and integrate returning stars.
🎯 Focus: The Pharaohs Want the Title Back
Egypt last won AFCON in 2010, the final chapter of a legendary three-peat. Since then, they’ve reached the final twice (2017 and 2021), falling just short.
With Salah now in the twilight of his prime and a talented generation rising behind him, Morocco 2025 is widely viewed as one of their best remaining chances to reclaim African supremacy.