Senegal Coach: 'Egypt is Africa's Best Because Their Coach Spends All His Time Forming Number 7 With His Fingers'

17 January 2026at11:27

Senegal national team coach Pape Thiaw believes that the Moroccan national team is the primary favorite to win the Africa Cup of Nations "Morocco 2025" final. He then responded to Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, who deliberately displayed the number 7 with his fingers multiple times, signaling his country's seven titles.

Speaking at the pre-final press conference, Thiaw stated, “Morocco is the favorite to win. They are first in Africa and 11th in the FIFA rankings, and we come behind them (second in Africa).”

He continued, addressing Hossam Hassan's actions: “We all agree that Egypt is the best in Africa because their coach spends all his time forming the number 7 with his fingers.”

It is worth noting that the Moroccan national team will face its Senegalese counterpart in the AFCON final tomorrow, Sunday, at 20:00 GMT+1, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Q&A

Why did Senegal coach Pape Thiaw make a remark about Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan?

Pape Thiaw's comment was a direct response to Hossam Hassan's repeated public display of the number 7 with his fingers, symbolizing Egypt's record seven AFCON titles, during a pre-final press conference.

What is Senegal coach Pape Thiaw's assessment of Morocco's standing in African football?

Thiaw stated that Morocco is currently the top-ranked team in Africa and 11th in FIFA's global rankings, positioning them as the primary favorite for the "Morocco 2025" AFCON title.

Morocco

Senegal

CAF Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt