New Egypt head coach Ali Maher is due to present his proposed coaching staff to the Egyptian Football Association’s board for approval, after meeting federation president Hany Abo Rida to discuss preparations for the national team’s next matches.
Maher also toured the National Teams Centre after the meeting, inspecting the team hotel, gym and dining facilities ahead of the squad’s training camp. The visit gave the new coach an opportunity to review the arrangements available to the players before preparations begin.
The Football Association announced on Saturday that it had ended its working relationship with Hossam Hassan and his coaching and administrative staff, then appointed Maher to lead the senior national team. The federation said its board had considered recent circumstances and events, which it said had negatively affected the team’s positive image and stability. It also thanked Hassan for his work and wished him success in his future career.
The timing leaves Maher with little time to settle into the job. Egypt are scheduled to face Malawi twice in November in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The first match is set for November 13 at Cairo International Stadium, with the return fixture scheduled for November 17 at Bingu National Stadium in Malawi. The Egyptian squad is expected to begin its camp at the National Teams Centre on November 9.
Maher, 52, takes over after coaching Ceramica Cleopatra and several other Egyptian clubs, including Smouha, ENPPI, Al Masry and Modern Sport. His appointment places him in charge of a national side that has recently experienced both notable results and instability around the team.
Hassan, 60, had been in charge since February 2024. During his tenure, Egypt qualified for the 2026 World Cup and reached the round of 16 at the tournament, where the team’s campaign ended after a defeat to Argentina. Egypt also finished fourth at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite those achievements, the federation’s announcement followed a period of public scrutiny and reports of tensions involving the coaching staff. Recent results in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign included a goalless draw with Angola, a 5-0 win over South Sudan and a 1-0 loss to South Africa. Egypt currently have four points from their first two qualifiers, according to the reported standings.
The relationship between Hassan and captain Mohamed Salah also drew attention. Reports said Salah left the team camp after being substituted during the match against Angola, although Hassan described the change as a tactical decision. Salah did not play in the subsequent match against South Sudan. Earlier in the month, Abo Rida travelled to Turkey to meet the forward, who plays for Trabzonspor, in an effort to address any obstacles affecting the national team and maintain communication among those involved.
The federation’s statement did not provide a detailed account of the circumstances behind Hassan’s departure. It said the board had reviewed recent developments and their impact on the team’s stability, while recognizing Hassan’s efforts during his time as head coach. Hassan’s tenure comprised 38 matches, with Egypt recording 21 wins, 10 draws and seven defeats.
Maher’s first task will be to organize his staff and prepare the players for two closely spaced fixtures against Malawi. The federation has said he will submit names for the assistant coaching group to the board, which will approve the final structure. The composition of the staff will be among the first indications of how the new coach plans to shape the team’s preparation.
The inspection of the National Teams Centre was an early practical step in that process. Reviewing accommodation, training facilities and food arrangements is part of preparing for a camp in which Egypt will have only a short period to work before its first match. The return fixture follows four days later, leaving limited time between games for recovery and adjustments.
With a new coach, a staff still to be confirmed and qualifying points at stake, Egypt’s November camp will mark the beginning of Maher’s tenure under immediate competitive pressure. The two Malawi matches will provide his first opportunity to set the team’s direction and seek to restore stability after a turbulent period.
