When Hossam Hassan was appointed Egypt coach in early 2024, taking charge of a team largely accustomed to foreign managers over the past decade, serious questions were raised about his credentials, Reuters reported. 

Egypt's all-time leading scorer enjoys iconic status as a former prolific striker with a glittering playing career, but he had achieved little success as a coach at a handful of Egyptian clubs.

Almost two years into his tenure, however, Egypt appear to be heading in the right direction. They sealed smooth passage to the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with seven points in their group, ending a run of six successive draws across the past two editions of the tournament, according to Reuters.