The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered a significant blow to Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations campaign, suspending two key players just before their crucial third-place playoff match against Nigeria's Super Eagles.
Disciplinary Action Rocks Pharaohs' Squad
Midfielder Marwan Attia and forward Salah Mohsen have been officially ruled out of Saturday's bronze medal match in Casablanca. The disciplinary ruling, which also extends to the next official CAF match after the tournament, stems from misconduct during and after Egypt's semifinal defeat to Senegal.
According to reports, Attia's suspension was triggered by gestures that suggested match officials had been bribed. Meanwhile, Mohsen faced sanctions for directing mocking gestures toward Senegalese journalists in the aftermath of the tense semifinal clash.
Egypt's Tactical Headache Ahead of Nigeria Showdown
The timing of the suspension creates a major challenge for Egypt's head coach, Hossam Hassan. He must now reconfigure his starting lineup without two experienced squad members for the high-stakes encounter against Nigeria at Stade Mohammed V on Saturday, 17 January 2026.
Marwan Attia had been a vital component of Egypt's midfield throughout AFCON 2025, featuring in four matches and contributing one goal and one assist. Although used more sparingly, Salah Mohsen's leadership was deemed crucial, as he captained the side during their final group stage match against Angola.
The absence of both players is expected to disrupt Egypt's midfield stability and attacking options, placing additional pressure on the remaining members of the Pharaohs' squad to deliver in the crunch encounter.
Historic Bronze Medal Battle in Casablanca
This match represents more than just a consolation prize. For Nigeria, a victory would secure a record-extending ninth AFCON bronze medal and maintain their perfect record in third-place playoffs, having won all seven they have previously contested.
Egypt, conversely, finds itself in a third-place match for the first time this century and only the sixth time in its history. The Pharaohs aim to salvage pride after their narrow 1-0 semifinal loss to Senegal, while Nigeria seeks to bounce back from a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to tournament hosts Morocco.
This fixture also renews one of African football's most storied rivalries, marking the 10th AFCON meeting and the 20th overall clash between the two continental giants.
CAF's decisive disciplinary action underscores its commitment to upholding professionalism and decorum in African football. The suspensions serve as a stark reminder to all players that conduct on and off the pitch carries serious consequences. All focus now shifts to Casablanca, where Nigeria and Egypt will battle for the final podium position at AFCON 2025.
