AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Mohamed El Shenawy could return to Egypt squad after Hossam Hassan talks

Mohamed El Shenawy could return to the Egypt national team for their November Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after coach Hossam Hassan and Football Association president Hani Abu Rida discussed the goalkeeper’s situation.

According to a report by Yalla Kora, El Shenawy, who plays for Al Ahly, remains among the options for the upcoming squad.

The source added that Abu Rida and Hassan had agreed to resolve their differences with the players, with the national team’s interests taking priority.

Egypt will face Malawi twice in November as they continue their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Pharaohs are scheduled to host Malawi at Cairo Stadium on 13 November before travelling for the return fixture on 17 November.

Hassan’s side will begin a closed training camp on 8 November to prepare for the two matches, which form part of the third and fourth rounds of the qualifiers.

The technical staff is expected to meet to finalise the squad, which will contain at least 25 players, according to the source.

El Shenawy was at the centre of controversy during the previous international break after Hassan questioned the goalkeeper’s form at club level.

“Mohamed El Shenawy was at one point finished and not playing with his club, yet he returned to his level through the Egyptian national team,” Hassan said.

The Al Ahly goalkeeper was subsequently absent from Egypt’s most recent camp, during which the team played three matches.

Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola in Cairo before recording a 5-0 victory over South Sudan in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. They then lost 1-0 to South Africa in a friendly match in Cairo.

El Shenawy’s potential return would come as Egypt seek to strengthen their squad ahead of the next stage of their qualifying campaign.