Shikabala calls for ‘special status’ for Egypt boss Hossam Hassan

Mahamoud Abdel Razek Shikabala has called on Egypt manager Hossam Hassan to resign, saying the national team coach must protect his position and authority.

The former Zamalek star said his comments were motivated by his respect and affection for Hassan, rather than by criticism of his football decisions. He also expressed surprise at the level of controversy surrounding the manager in recent weeks.

Speaking on MBC Masr 2, Shikabala said he had never seen a similar situation involving an Egypt manager in the history of the national team.

“This is the first time in the history of the Egypt national team that I have seen such a fuss surrounding the manager,” he said. “And as someone who loves captain Hossam, I believe you must submit your resignation.”

Shikabala added that the Egypt manager should occupy a position carrying greater authority and respect.

“The Egypt manager must have his own image and stature, and that is what we have not seen during this recent period,” he said. “What I am saying has nothing to do with football. He must have a special status.”

The comments come as Egypt prepare to face Malawi twice in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.

The Pharaohs’ training camp is scheduled to begin on 9 November at the national teams’ centre. Egypt will host the first meeting at Cairo International Stadium on 13 November before travelling to Malawi for the return fixture on 17 November.

That second match will be played at Bingu International Stadium as part of the fourth round of qualification.

Egypt are in Group B alongside Angola, South Sudan and Malawi. They currently lead the group with 4 points, ahead of Angola on goal difference. Malawi are third with 3 points, while South Sudan are bottom without a point.

Egypt opened their qualifying campaign with a goalless home draw against Angola. They responded in their next match with a 5-0 away victory over South Sudan.

Shikabala’s remarks place further focus on Hassan’s position before the two meetings with Malawi, although his appeal was framed as a call for the manager to preserve the standing and authority associated with the Egypt job.