Adel Al-Mishri, former Kuwait national team player and sports analyst, strongly criticized Egypt’s second national team coach Helmy Tolaan following the 1-1 draw with Kuwait in the opening match of Group C at the Arab Cup 2025 at Lusail Stadium.

Al-Mishri stated in televised remarks: “Helmy Tolaan’s comments showed no respect for Kuwait’s team or the young players who gave their all, most born in 2002 and 2005, compared to Egypt’s experienced squad.” He added: “The Egyptian coach mocked the opponent, but football always responds on the field, and the game itself answered back.”

Tolaan emphasized that the match was “one-sided” in both halves, acknowledging Egypt’s dominance but noting missed opportunities. He praised the players’ effort and stated that upcoming matches would allow the team to recover lost points.

The match featured several dramatic moments, including a missed penalty, Mohamed Sherif’s objection to his substitution, and the red card of the Kuwaiti goalkeeper following a foul on Marwan Hamdy. Mohamed Magdy Afsha scored the penalty to equalize, and the game ended with tension requiring intervention to separate the players.