Out Hossam, In Maher: Egypt Make Shock Coaching Change Ahead of AFCON Qualifiers

Egyptian football woke up to a big shake-up. The national team has a new head coach, and the old one is gone.

The Decision

The EFA confirmed that Hossam Hassan and his technical staff have left their posts. The new man in charge is Ceramica Cleopatra manager Ali Maher, who takes over for the continental qualifiers ahead. The federation’s reasoning was carefully worded. Hassan was dismissed over “a negative impact on the positive image of the team”. The EFA gave no further detail, but insisted that the team’s stability is a paramount priority. Several outlets linked the decision to public controversy around Hassan’s personal life.

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The Timing

The change comes at an awkward moment. Hassan had been due to miss games anyway, serving a three-match suspension handed down by FIFA. Egypt also have two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Malawi in November. Before the announcement, reports said the EFA was leaning towards a domestic coach, with Hossam El Badry and Ali Maher among the leading candidates.

Who Is Ali Maher?

Maher is a long-time head coach in the Egyptian Premier League, currently leading fourth-placed Ceramica Cleopatra. He’s a homegrown choice who knows the domestic game inside out. The EFA has asked him to present his vision for the composition of the new technical staff, so expect backroom changes soon.

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What Happens Next

Maher has little time to prepare. The Malawi qualifiers arrive quickly, and he has to build a staff, work out how to take Egypt forward, and win over a squad that has just lost its coach. The Pharaohs have a new face on the touchline, and the pressure starts straight away.

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