Former Morocco national team star Youssouf Hadji believes that the Egypt men's national football team currently ranks only fifth among the best national teams in Africa.
Although the Egypt men's national football team is ranked third in Africa and 25th in the world in the latest FIFA rankings, Youssouf Hadji believes there are currently four national teams stronger than Egypt.
In the current top five African teams listed by Youssouf Hadji, the Morocco men's national football team ranks first, while traditional powerhouses such as Algeria and Ivory Coast were not included.
Youssouf Hadji stated in an interview with Kooora: "First is Morocco, then in order are Senegal, Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Egypt."
When asked why he ranked Egypt fifth, the former Moroccan star replied: "The average age of the Egypt squad is now between 30 and 33, so it's difficult to rank them any higher."
Youssouf Hadji added: "The Egypt national team was the strongest team in Africa for a long time, and the Egyptian league was also the most competitive league on the continent, producing the best local players."
Youssouf Hadji also compared the Egyptian team to the German team, stating: "We always say Egypt is 'the Germany of Africa' because Egyptian players have strong tactical discipline and excellent physical confrontation, but currently, the average age has increased, which is why I gave this ranking."
Youssouf Hadji also noted that the Egyptian team faced controversial circumstances against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup qualifying and deserved to progress further in the tournament.