Egypt coach Hossam Hassan believes that Mohamed Salah’s moment to win the Africa Cup of Nations has arrived.

He hopes to guide his team to the 2026 World Cup, just as he did when he was a player.

Hassan is eager to win the Nations Cup as a coach after winning it three times as a player.

He has access to a talented team that includes Salah of Liverpool and Omar Marmoush, a forward who joined Manchester City in January.

Salah, 32, has not yet won the title but has been second twice in the continental tournament, in 2017 and 2021.

“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 competition in Morocco.

Having experienced both in his legendary career as his nation’s most prolific striker, Hassan refused to choose between winning the Nations Cup and making it to the World Cup.

His goal guaranteed Egypt’s place in the 1990 World Cup, and as a coach, he wants to equal that accomplishment.

“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, of course, bring joy to the Egyptian fans who deserve so much“.

Egypt failed to advance after losing 1-0 to eventual semi-finalists England, but they did draw with Ireland and the Netherlands at Italia 90.

They qualified for Russia in 2018 as well, however they lost all three of their group matches against Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and the hosts.

With six rounds of games remaining, Egypt leads African World Cup qualifying Group A with four points.

The group winners advance straight to the finals the following year.