FAM downplays Egypt coach's firing ahead of Afcon qualifier

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has downplayed the significance of Egypt National Football Team coach Hossam Hassan's firing, saying it won't impact the Flames' focus ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Egypt. Hassan was dismissed on Saturday, six days before Egypt hosts Malawi in a Group B qualifier in Cairo. FAM spokesperson Collins Nsunza said the team will focus on their own performance and not read much into Hassan's firing.

Hassan was dismissed due to what the Egypt Football Federation called a "negative impact on the positive image of the team". The reasons behind the decision are not clear, but Egyptian media believe it may be related to Hassan's personal life rather than disagreements with players, including star forward Mohamed Salah. Hassan was appointed Egypt coach in 2024 and led the team to the Round of 16 at the World Cup.

Football analyst George Chiusiwa advised the Flames not to read much into Hassan's firing, saying it shouldn't affect their preparation for the match. Chiusiwa noted that Hassan had guided Egypt to the Round of 16 at the World Cup, a remarkable achievement, and his departure hasn't meaningfully affected the team. Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation had banned Hassan from appearing in all media outlets last week, an unprecedented decision against a national coach.

Chiusiwa believes the Egyptians are still a solid force, and Malawi should brace for a tougher battle with the new coach, Ali Maher. Maher, a long-time head coach in the Egyptian Premier League, has replaced Hassan and must get quickly up to speed. Egypt plays Malawi on November 13 and 17 in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Egypt currently leading Group B.

The Egyptian Football Association did not elaborate on Hassan's dismissal, stating only that maintaining the team's stability is a paramount priority. The association has prioritized stability, and it remains to be seen how the team will perform under new coach Ali Maher. Malawi will face a tough challenge in their Afcon qualifier against Egypt.

The Flames will face Egypt in Cairo on November 13, followed by the return leg on November 18 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. FAM's focus is on ensuring a positive result for the team, and they are not reading much into Hassan's firing. The team's performance will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing in the Afcon qualifiers.

The dismissal of Hassan has raised questions about the team's dynamics, but Chiusiwa believes Malawi should expect to meet familiar foes. The Egyptians started believing in the team again under Hassan due to their promising football performances in continental competitions and at the recent 2026 Fifa World Cup. Malawi will need to be prepared for a tough battle against Egypt.

Key points

• FAM downplays Egypt coach's firing ahead of Afcon qualifier
• Hassan's dismissal attributed to negative impact on team's image
• Malawi faces tough challenge against Egypt in Afcon qualifier