Tamer Abdel Hamid criticizes Hossam Hassan for strange choices against Cape Verde

Former Zamalek star Tamer Abdel Hamid Donja did not hold back criticism toward Egypt’s national team coach Hossam Hassan after recent friendlies against Uzbekistan and Cape Verde.

Abdel Hamid questioned the tactical decisions of the coaching staff, especially Hassan’s choice to play Mohamed Hamdy as a center-back, a move Donja described as “very strange.”

Donja also warned that Hassan’s remarks about striker Mostafa Mohamed could unsettle the Nantes forward. The tension between player and coach has been a subplot in Egyptian football, heightened by Hassan’s recent comments comparing the national team’s professional players to those of Morocco.

Hassan’s post-match remarks, delivered in a fiery press conference, sparked controversy. He openly stated: “We only have two and a quarter professionals. Salah is a superstar, Marmoush is at Manchester City, and Mostafa Mohamed only shines at Nantes when fully trusted.” These comments were interpreted as undervaluing Mostafa Mohamed and the locally-based squad, despite Egypt’s historic success with domestic stars.

Abdel Hamid called for the return of defender Rami Rabia, while highlighting administrative hurdles to his comeback. He also praised the late Mohamed Sabry for staying humble throughout his career. As Egypt aims to reclaim the Africa Cup of Nations title, discord between coach and players could challenge team unity.