It's time for Salah to win Africa Cup of Nations, says Egypt coach

The time has come for Mohamed Salah to lift the Africa Cup of Nations, says Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, who aims to lead the country to the 2026 World Cup just like he did as a player.

Hassan won the Nations Cup three times as a player and is desperate to claim the title as a coach. He can call on a distinguished squad, including Liverpool's Salah and fellow forward Omar Marmoush, who joined Manchester City in January.

Salah, 32, has twice finished runner-up in the continental tournament - in 2017 and 2021 - but has yet to win the title.

"It's time for Salah to lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, and he deserves it. The competition is tough, but we are capable of winning it," Hassan told Reuters in an interview.

"He is a great player and deserves his current status. Having him with us is wonderful. Everyone in the team, led by Salah, is doing their best to fulfill the hopes and ambitions of the Egyptian people," the former striker added.

Egypt have been drawn in Group B with South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe at the Dec. 21 to Jan. 18 tournament in Morocco

Hassan declined to choose between winning the Nations Cup and qualifying for the World Cup, having tasted both in his storied career as his country's most prolific striker.

It was his goal that secured Egypt's spot in the 1990 World Cup and now, as a coach, he hopes to match that‮ ‬achievement.

"The two goals are extremely important. Winning the Africa Cup of Nations after a long absence (would be) fantastic for the national team, especially for this outstanding generation that deserves it," he said.

"Also, reaching the World Cup and advancing to the later stages would be even more wonderful and would highlight the performance of this generation and the coaching staff and,