The Egyptian Football Association has issued a statement defending the stability of the national team, as head coach Hossam Hassan’s future is debated ahead of the match against Malawi.
A week before the match against Malawi, the Egyptian Football Association has spoken out to defend the stability of the national team, as Hossam Hassan’s future as head coach fuels discussion. In a statement published on its Facebook page, the body calls for calm and unity, “far from any escalation or emotional reaction” likely to harm the team’s focus, according to El Watan News.
The Pharaohs face Malawi on Friday 13 November at 21:00 at Cairo International Stadium. The return match is scheduled for 17 November at 15:00 in Malawi. Both games count towards matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The federation also asked the media and supporters to back the national team, Baladna Elyoum reports.
A statement to calm things down
The message is meant to be reassuring. In the statement relayed by El Watan News, the federation says: “The interest of the national team comes first, and its stability above all, because it represents Egyptian football and the ambitions of its supporters.” (translated from Arabic)
The federation does not comment on Hossam Hassan’s future. On the contrary, it asks that any emotional escalation likely to unsettle the group be avoided. According to Baladna Elyoum, it invites the media and supporters to back the national team.
A sporting situation to be clarified
The Group B standings figures differ depending on the source. El Watan News says Egypt lead with 7 points after a 0-0 draw against Angola and a 5-0 win over South Sudan. Baladna Elyoum, for its part, puts them on 4 points, ahead of Angola on goal difference. The discrepancy illustrates the uncertainty around the Pharaohs’ points situation.
Malawi sit 3rd in the group with 3 points, according to Baladna Elyoum. The two matches will be played four days apart.
A decision on Hassan awaited
The declared support for stability does not settle the question. Hossam Hassan’s future at the helm of the Pharaohs remains up in the air, and a decision is expected, according to El Watan News. The statement says nothing about whether he will stay or possibly leave.
The report does not specify the date on which that decision will be announced.