National team coach Hossam Hassan is reportedly weighing several new options for the November camp, including Nasser Maher and Youssef Obama, both of Pyramids FC. According to the Egyptian press, these names are still under consideration and nothing has been made official yet.
The Pharaohs’ squad for the November camp does not exist yet, but the names are circulating. According to Sada El-Balad, national team coach Hossam Hassan is considering several changes to his group. Among the options under review are Nasser Maher and Youssef Obama, both at Pyramids FC.
Journalist Ahmed Galal, who reports the news in the columns of Sada El-Balad, nevertheless warns: “the Egypt squad for the November camp could feature new faces and changes in certain positions.” A cautious phrasing that leaves the door open to any configuration ahead of the double-header against Malawi.
Youssef Obama, a possible first call-up
Youssef Obama, a Pyramids FC player, could be called up for the first time in his career to the national team, again according to Sada El-Balad. Nasser Maher, his teammate at the same club, is also under consideration.
El-Shenawy, the goalkeeping question
The goalkeeper position accounts for a good part of the deliberations. The staff are reportedly considering turning to goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy (Pyramids FC) after the normalisation of his relations with the coaching staff and his willingness to represent Egypt, Sada El-Balad reports. The Egyptian press puts forward a figure: only 4 goals conceded in 12 matches recently.
Yet the competition is real. The staff are hesitating between Ahmed El-Shenawy and Mohamed El-Shenawy (Al Ahly), with a relative advantage for the Pyramids goalkeeper according to the same source.
Other names in the reckoning
According to Baladna Elyoum, Omar El-Saei and Tawfik Mohamed (Al Ahly) as well as Mahmoud Mamdouh (Modern Sport) are also in the staff’s reckoning ahead of the two matches against Malawi. These names remain under consideration.
Ahmed Galal is keen to head off any interpretation: “all these names remain within the framework of study and tendency, and are not an officially announced squad.” The warning applies to all the options mentioned, goalkeepers included. The staff have not published any squad at this stage.
The squad is due to be published before Egypt’s double-header against Malawi.