The Egyptian federation, chaired by Hany Abou Rida, has appointed Ali Maher as head coach of the Pharaohs after parting ways with the brothers Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan. His first squad, expected this Sunday with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, must come before the double-header against Malawi.
Egypt are turning the page. The Egyptian federation, chaired by Hany Abou Rida, has parted ways with the brothers Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan, respectively former head coach and former team director, and appointed Ali Maher at the helm of the Pharaohs, according to Vetogate and Erem News. The former Ceramica Cleopatra coach takes charge of the national team after their elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
The national team has little time: the squad for the November camp must be announced this Sunday, before the double-header against Malawi on 13 and 17 November. The two matches count for the 3rd and 4th matchdays of qualifying for CAN 2027, hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
A 25-man squad expected
According to Vetogate, the official announcement is due this Sunday, 8 November. The expected squad would include 25 players, among them 10 professionals playing abroad: Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ibrahim Adel, Haitham Hassan, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, Hamza Abdelkarim, Hussein Abdelmagid, Rami Rabia and Omar Fayed.
Around 15 players from the domestic league would also be called up, including three goalkeepers, according to the same source. These figures remain to be confirmed until the federation publishes the official squad.
The qualifying picture
On the pitch, the Pharaohs began their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Angola, before beating South Sudan 5-0. With 4 points, Egypt lead Angola on goal difference; Malawi have 3 points and South Sudan none.
The first leg is scheduled for Friday 13 November at Cairo International Stadium at 21:00 local time. The return leg will be played on Tuesday 17 November at Bingu International Stadium at 15:00 Malawi time (16:00 in Cairo).
Emam Ashour’s farewell
The departure of the Hassan brothers prompted a first public gesture. Emam Ashour, the Al Ahly and Egypt midfielder, became the first national team player to publicly bid farewell to Hossam Hassan, with the message “Thank you”, written in Arabic: “شكرًا لكم”. The message was relayed by Erem News.
Egypt exit the 2026 World Cup after a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16. Emam Ashour scored two goals at the tournament, sharing top spot among Egyptian scorers with Mostafa Ziko, according to Erem News.