Egyptian defender Mahmoud Hamdi Al-Wunschh has spoken about his difficult journey back to the national team after a 3-year absence. In an Instagram post, Al-Wunschh revealed that his return to the team was not easy, having gone through multiple surgeries and a long rehabilitation process. He expressed gratitude to those who supported him during this challenging period, including his family, doctors, and physiotherapists.

Al-Wunschh's last appearance with the Egyptian national team was in 2022 in a friendly match against Niger under the coaching of Portuguese manager Rui Vitoria. He also played for the Egyptian second team in 2025 during the Arab Cup, featuring in one match against Jordan in the group stage. Recently, Al-Wunschh was included in the national team squad for the upcoming matches against Malawi in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Egyptian national team is currently led by coach Ali Maher, who took over the role after the departure of Hosam Hassan. Al-Wunschh's return to the team is seen as a significant boost, alongside other players like goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy and midfielder Mohamed Shahat. The team is looking to make a strong impression in the qualifiers, with matches against Malawi scheduled for November 13 and 17.

In the current group standings, Egypt tops the table with 4 points, followed by Angola with the same number of points but a lower goal difference. Malawi occupies the third spot with 3 points, while South Sudan is at the bottom without any points. Egypt's recent performances have been positive, with a goalless draw against Angola and a 5-0 win over South Sudan.

Coach Ali Maher has expressed optimism about the team's chances, highlighting the presence of a talented generation of players. He emphasized the team's commitment to playing attractive football and making the fans proud. The return of experienced players like Al-Wunschh is expected to strengthen the team's defense and overall performance.

Al-Wunschh's personal journey back to the national team is a testament to his determination and resilience. Having undergone three surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation process, his return to the team is a significant achievement. His experience and skills will likely be valuable assets for Egypt in the upcoming qualifiers.

As Egypt prepares to face Malawi, the team is focused on securing positive results to advance in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. With a talented squad and a determined coach, the team is aiming to make a strong impact in the competition. Al-Wunschh's return is a significant boost to Egypt's chances, and fans will be eagerly watching his performance in the upcoming matches.

Key points

  • Egypt's Mahmoud Hamdi Al-Wunschh describes his difficult journey back to the national team after 3 years and multiple surgeries.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.