Rabat – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Egypt players Marwan Attia and Salah Mohsen for two matches following their conduct toward the referee during the AFCON 2025 semifinal against Senegal.
The ban will take effect starting with Egypt’s third-place playoff against Nigeria, a decision that was communicated to the team less than 24 hours before the match, according to Egyptian media.
The Egypt national team coaching staff, led by Hossam Hassan, is reportedly unhappy with the timing of the disciplinary decision.
Egypt will face Nigeria in the third-place playoff today at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. The match will decide the bronze medal winner of the tournament.
Cairo 24 quoted a source as saying that the coaching staff was informed less than 24 hours before kickoff that midfielders Marwan Attia and Salah Mohsen had been suspended by CAF.
The late notice caused frustration, especially as the decision came after Egypt had completed its final training session.
The source said the timing of the suspension disrupted the technical staff’s plans for the match, as the players were expected to be part of the squad against Nigeria.
Egypt failed to reach the AFCON 2025 final after losing 1-0 to Senegal in the semifinals. The only goal of the match was scored by Sadio Mané.
The Pharaohs will lock horns with Nigeria, who lost against Morocco in the semifinal after a penalty shootout.
The match between Egypt and Nigeria is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 p.m. local time, while the final will take place on Sunday night in Rabat.
