The Egyptian national team gained several advantages from the Africa Cup of Nations despite failing to win the title. Egypt was unable to secure the championship after losing to Senegal in a penalty shootout during the match held on Sunday at the Paul Biya Stadium in Cameroon. Despite the defeat and the inability to claim the title, the team achieved numerous benefits, highlighted as follows:
**Financial Rewards**
Although Egypt did not win the tournament, they will receive a significant financial prize of $2.75 million. While Senegal took home the largest prize of $5 million for winning the tournament, Egypt still earned a considerable amount.
**Restoration of Confidence in Queiroz**
Despite not being among the coaches who led Egypt to the title, Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz was one of the main beneficiaries of the tournament. He entered the competition amidst a lack of confidence, especially after losing the semifinal match of the 2021 Arab Cup to Tunisia. This lack of confidence was compounded by a loss to Nigeria in the opening match of the group stage and a lackluster performance against Sudan and Guinea-Bissau. However, Queiroz managed to regain the fans' trust by guiding the team past Ivory Coast, Morocco, and Cameroon in earlier rounds, even though they lost in the final against Senegal.
**A New Era for the Egyptian Team**
The tournament also showcased a new generation capable of carrying the team's flag in the coming years. Several outstanding players made their debut during this edition, including full-backs Omar Kamal and Ahmed Fattouh. The team also features a strong defender in Mohamed Abdel-Moneim and goalkeeper Mohamed Abu Jabal, who captured attention throughout the tournament.
**Additional Motivation**
Losing is always tough, but it will provide the Egyptian team with extra motivation when facing Senegal, the team that defeated them in the Africa Cup of Nations final, roughly a month and a half later. Egypt will meet Senegal in March in decisive matches to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. This defeat will serve as additional motivation for Egypt to avenge their loss and also offer tactical insights from facing Senegal.
**Unity Among Fans**
The Egyptian team also benefited from something off the field: the unity of the fans who supported the "Pharaohs" throughout the tournament. This unity was notably highlighted after captain Mohamed Salah’s statement urging fans to support the national team without focusing on clubs, which was reflected in the fans’ response.
