Egyptian FA Appoints Ali Maher as New Coach After Sacking Hossam Hassan

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has dismissed national team head coach Hossam Hassan and his staff, appointing Ceramica Cleopatra coach Ali Maher to lead the Pharaohs. This decision was made on Saturday, November 7, and comes after a review of recent events and their impact on the national team's image and stability. The EFA thanked Hassan for his work and wished him success in his future endeavors.

Hassan's tenure as Egypt's national team coach began in February 2024, replacing Portuguese coach Rui Vitória. During his time, he led the team in 38 matches, achieving 21 wins, 10 draws, and seven defeats. Under his coaching, Egypt finished fourth at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and reached the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, where they lost to Argentina.

The decision to sack Hassan follows a series of events, including a public dispute with his former wife and a goalless home draw with Angola in September. The Supreme Council for Media Regulation had barred Hassan from appearing in all media outlets, citing violations of the rules on respecting private life. The council had also written to the EFA, asking it to take action regarding Hassan.

Ali Maher, 52, takes over as Egypt's new coach after a successful spell at Ceramica Cleopatra. He has previously coached Smouha, ENPPI, Al Masry, and Modern Sport. The EFA has asked Maher to present his plans for forming his technical staff. Maher's appointment comes ahead of Egypt's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi.

Egypt are set to begin a training camp on November 9, ahead of their qualifiers against Malawi on November 13 and 17. The team will be looking to bounce back from their recent performances, and Maher will be tasked with improving the team's stability and image. The EFA has prioritized keeping the team stable and achieving success.

Hassan's departure and Maher's appointment have garnered significant attention from Egyptian football fans. The EFA's decision to sack Hassan was made with the team's interests in mind, and the association has called on the media and fans to support the team. Maher will be expected to build on Hassan's achievements and lead the team to success.

The changes in Egypt's national team coaching staff come as the team prepares for crucial upcoming matches. With Maher at the helm, Egypt will look to improve their performance and achieve their goals in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and beyond. The team's progress will be closely watched by fans and the Egyptian football community.

Key points

• The Egyptian FA has appointed Ali Maher as the new coach of the national team, replacing Hossam Hassan who was sacked on November 7.
• Hossam Hassan's tenure as Egypt's national team coach ended after 38 matches, with 21 wins, 10 draws, and seven defeats.
• Egypt's national team will begin a training camp on November 9, ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi.