Video: "They resemble Germany": Mustapha Hadji says he ranks Egypt fifth in Africa for this reason

Morocco legend names four African nations superior to Egypt

Mustapha Hadji, the Morocco national team legend, reckons Egypt are only the fifth-best national side in Africa right now.

FIFA's latest ranking places Egypt third in Africa and 25th in the world, yet Hadji rates four other teams above them at the moment.

Morocco top his list of the five strongest African sides, and he left out heavyweights like Algeria and the Ivory Coast.

Speaking in his interview with Kooora, Hadji said: "Morocco in first place, then Senegal, Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Egypt, in that order".

Asked why he had placed Egypt fifth, the former Moroccan star replied: "The average age of Egypt's players now ranges between 30 and 33, so it is difficult to rank them any higher".

He went on: "Egypt were the best in Africa for many years, and the Egyptian league is the strongest on the African continent, producing the best local players".

Hadji likened Egypt to Germany. He added: "We always say that Egypt is the 'Germany of Africa', because of the tactical discipline and physical strength that Egyptian players possess, but the rising average age at present is what led me to this ranking".

On a related note, Hadji insisted that Egypt "suffered a clear injustice against Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, and deserved to go far in the tournament".

Egypt reached the round of 16 at the last World Cup for the first time in their history, and they also made the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.