Rabat – Egypt and Morocco have reaffirmed the importance of bilateral relations between the two countries to ease tensions among fans following the AFCON 2025.
Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Ashraf Sobhy, and Morocco’s Minister of National Education, Mohamed Saad Berrada, held a phone call on Wednesday, reaffirming the deep historical and brotherly ties between the two countries.
The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports said the ministerial call emphasized that these relations span decades of cooperation and complementarity across various fields, especially sports.
“This comes within the context of joint coordination and the keenness of both sides to calm the sorting atmosphere among the fans, emphasizing that sports serve as a bridge between people, not a cause for dispute,” the statement said.
Ahead of Egypt’s defeat in the semi-finals, trolling pages from both sides created a sarcastic, but friendly, atmosphere throughout the AFCON — especially as both Morocco and Egypt entered as top favorites.
Egyptian influencers and fans widely commended Morocco’s hosting, expressing appreciation for the hospitality, the organization, and even the food.
However, a segment of Egyptian fans and online trolls shifted to a more extreme tone after Egypt’s elimination in the semifinals against Senegal.
Tension rose further when Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan and his brother Ibrahim Hassan made controversial remarks suggesting the team’s assigned hotel was below standard– claims that Egyptian fans and influential figures refuted.
Some Egyptian commentators and pages even celebrated the chaotic and violent scenes created after Senegal’s temporary withdrawal from the AFCON final against Atlas Lions on Sunday.
Senegalese fans attempted to storm the pitch, destroying stadium seats and using them as weapons to attack security guards, after a VAR-verified penalty was called on Senegal.
In his message, Minister Sobhy reiterated the same remarks of international speakers, applauding the success of Morocco in hosting the African tournament.
He also affirms his rejection of any acts of fanaticism or misconduct that could negatively affect the distinguished ties between the two countries or distort the image of Arab fans.
Berrada also emphasized the importance of the call, conveying Morocco’s appreciation for ties with Egypt and commitment to supporting all initiatives that contribute to strengthening Arab brotherhood and promoting positive values among youth, the statement concluded.