Football: Egypt sacks Hassan and appoints Ali Maher as national coach

The Egyptian Football Federation (Efa) has sacked the national team's technical commissioner, Hossam Hassan, and hired in his place Ali Maher, current coach of Ceramica Cleopatra, fourth team in the Egyptian Premier League. “We thank Hossam Hassan for his achievements with the team and wish him the best in his future endeavours,” the EFA said in a statement. The decision comes a few days before the start of the "Pharaohs" retreat, in preparation for the two decisive matches against Malawi, scheduled for 13 and 17 November and valid for the third and fourth day of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The EFA confirmed that Maher will lead the national team for the two matches against Malawi. Maher, 52, stood out for leading Ceramica Cleopatra to victory in the Egyptian League Cup in the 2024/25 season.

Last season, he also guided the club to fourth place in the Egyptian Premier League. The preparatory retreat of the "Pharaohs" will begin on November 9th at the Egyptian National Team Center; the list of those called up should be announced in the next few hours. Egypt currently tops Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with four points, the result of a 0-0 draw in their opening match against Angola and a 5-0 win against South Sudan in the second round.

Hassan's departure comes despite his inclusion in the shortlist for the 2026 Caf Awards.