Not long after a triumphant return from an outstanding World Cup journey, the Egyptian national team enjoyed a grand welcome, celebrating their achievements with fans nationwide. However, as the men soared to the last 16—narrowly bowing out to Argentina—the women’s national team, affectionately known as the Cleopatras, faced a different reality at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco. Their tournament experience culminated in three heavy defeats, leaving them with a mere three goals scored against 15 conceded.
Cleopatras’ Historic Struggles
This year’s Wafcon marked just the third appearance of Egypt’s women’s team in the competition, their first since 2016. Interestingly, Egypt only entered the tournament due to an expansion from 12 to 16 teams, ranking among the four highest positioned sides that didn’t qualify directly. Despite the nation’s rich football culture and vast talent pool of 120 million, the women’s team has, unfortunately, rarely received the same backing and spotlight as their male counterparts.
In recent years, a growing investment in Egyptian women’s football emerged as domestic leagues expanded under the influence of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which necessitated major men’s clubs to establish female teams to maintain their licenses. Leading up to the 2026 Wafcon, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) allocated considerable resources for friendly matches and training camps to prepare. However, the six months of readiness led to disappointment, with head coach Mohamed Kamal facing sharp criticism for favoritism and a lack of professionalism, as players voiced concerns over divisions within the squad.
Discontent Among the Players
Prominent vocal critic Sarah Essam, who made history as the first Egyptian woman to play professionally in England and Spain, passionately brought attention to the internal problems within the team. After their return from Morocco, she took to social media to express her disappointment over the poor results, stating, “Egypt’s national team is larger than any individual. It deserves a professional environment built on fairness and equality.” Essam alleged that Kamal’s coaching style contributed to a divided squad, further claiming he made unfair selections influenced by external relationships, thus jeopardizing the team’s integrity.
Essam’s comments resonate with similar frustrations expressed by other players regarding the handling of team dynamics. Her teammate, Eman Hassan, echoed concerns over unequal treatment, stressing the need for every player to receive fair opportunities to showcase their talents. The culmination of these grievances starkly contrasts the investment the EFA has made in preparation, as players lamented the team’s lack of effective strategies or coherent line-ups throughout their friendly matches.
Necessary Changes for Future Success
With neighboring countries like Morocco and Algeria qualifying for the upcoming World Cup, Egypt’s setback serves as a wake-up call. Notably, Malawi, ranked significantly lower than Egypt, exceeded expectations by reaching the finals, further highlighting the gap in development within the Egyptian women’s team. As Essam asserted, a shift is essential—coaching must prioritize fairness and merit-based selection. It’s crucial for the EFA to involve experienced staff familiar with international standards, alongside continuing regular camps to ensure consistent preparation.
To revamp Egyptian women’s football, a strategic overhaul is necessary. Talented players must be recognized and chosen based solely on skill and performance, regardless of personal connections. Moving forward, fostering an environment that emphasizes equality and dedication will be paramount in transforming the women’s national team into a competitive force on the continental stage. As the women’s football landscape evolves in Egypt, the focus should remain on developing a robust, flourishing program that fans can rally behind.