Egypt drop Brighton youngster Younes Ibrahim for AFCON qualifiers in November

Brighton and Hove Albion youngster Younes Ibrahim has been excluded from Egypt squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The decision comes after coach Hossam Hassan and his technical team opted not to include the enterprising youngster in their squad for the upcoming international break.

Ibrahim has been left out of the Pharaohs’ plans for the current period because his agent failed to respond to an offer from the Football Association regarding the player’s international representation.

The Egyptian FA had given the player’s representative until October 24 to communicate Ibrahim’s position on joining the national team before the official invitation process for foreign-based professionals was completed.

However, with the deadline passing without a response, the association proceeded with its preparations for the November camp without the Brighton youngster.

The situation represents a setback for Ibrahim, who had been considered among the young talents potentially available to strengthen Egypt’s options as the team prepares for its upcoming international assignments.

Hossam Hassan and his technical staff are now expected to focus on the players included in the final list as they prepare for the Pharaohs’ next two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

The Egyptian national team is scheduled to begin its November preparations in the first week of the month, with the coaching staff expected to use the camp to fine-tune the squad ahead of the upcoming fixtures.

It remains unclear whether Ibrahim will be reconsidered for future call-ups once his international situation has been clarified.