A source within Egypt's national football team has disclosed that Mohamed El-Shenawy, the first-team goalkeeper for Al Ahly and team captain, was not considered by the technical staff led by Hesham Hassan for the current squad. This revelation comes after El-Shenawy's recent injury. According to the source, El-Shenawy's injury was not the reason for his exclusion from the team roster.

The source emphasized that El-Shenawy was not part of the plans even before his injury occurred. This development has sparked interest given the reports of a rift between El-Shenawy and Hassan. The Egyptian team's coach had announced the squad for the upcoming matches against Angola and South Sudan in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which notably did not include El-Shenawy and several other players due to injuries.

El-Shenawy recently sustained an injury while playing for Al Ahly. Reports suggest that his injury requires a period of treatment and rehabilitation before he can return to action. This timing coincides with media reports suggesting a disagreement between El-Shenawy and Hassan, potentially leading El-Shenawy to consider retirement from international football.

The situation has garnered significant attention, especially with key players like Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Hamza Abdul Karim joining the team's camp. These players, along with others, are set to play crucial roles in the upcoming matches. The team's dynamics, both on and off the field, are under intense scrutiny as Egypt prepares for the qualifiers.

Hesham Hassan's team is gearing up for critical matches that will determine their standing in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The absence of El-Shenawy, a seasoned goalkeeper, poses a challenge for the team's strategy and lineup. The coach and his staff will need to make strategic decisions to fill the gap left by El-Shenawy's absence.

The media has been abuzz with discussions about the team's composition and the reasons behind El-Shenawy's exclusion. Some reports have hinted at a possible misunderstanding between El-Shenawy and Hassan, which could have contributed to the goalkeeper's non-inclusion. However, official statements from the team or the Egyptian Football Association have been scarce.

As Egypt prepares to face Angola and South Sudan, the focus is on the team's performance and the strategies that Hassan will employ. The matches are crucial for Egypt's qualification prospects, and the team will need to perform optimally to achieve a favorable outcome. The situation surrounding El-Shenawy adds a layer of complexity to the team's preparations.

Key points

  • Mohamed El-Shenawy was not in Hesham Hassan's plans for the national team before his recent injury.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.