2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Egyptian FA plots Hossam Hassan dismissal after Malawi games

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) is reportedly preparing to part ways with national team head coach Hossam Hassan after the country’s two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi in November.

According to Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm, the association, led by Hani Abu Rida, has decided to end its working relationship with Hossam Hassan and his twin brother Ibrahim, who serves as the team’s director.

The two matches against Malawi in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers have reportedly been earmarked as the final assignments for the current technical team, with the EFA already considering potential replacements.

The reported decision follows a series of recent controversies and internal difficulties surrounding the national team, prompting discussions about changes to the technical setup.

However, the association is expected to delay the formal announcement until after the November international break to avoid unsettling the squad ahead of the crucial qualifiers.

FIFA suspension leaves Hassan twins out of Malawi games

Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim will reportedly not be on the sidelines for the two encounters against Malawi after receiving three-match suspensions from FIFA.

In their absence, Tarek Soliman is expected to take charge of the Egyptian national team for both fixtures.

The arrangement would allow Egypt to proceed with preparations for the qualifiers while the association finalises its plans for a new technical direction.

The decision to retain the current coaching structure until after the Malawi matches is reportedly intended to prevent further disruption to the team’s preparations.

Egypt are expected to hold a closed training camp in November as they prepare for the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Hossam El-Badry and Ali Maher emerge as potential replacements

With the EFA reportedly preparing for Hassan’s departure, attention has shifted to the identity of his potential successor.

According to Al-Masry Al-Youm, the association is considering appointing a local coach, with Hossam El-Badry and Ali Maher among the names being discussed.

However, the possibility of bringing in a foreign tactician has also emerged, suggesting that the association has yet to settle on a definitive direction for the national team.

The final decision on Hassan’s replacement is expected after the current coaching staff’s departure is officially announced and the two matches against Malawi have been completed.

The EFA is reportedly weighing its options carefully, with the timing of the announcement also under consideration.

November break could determine Egypt’s next move

The Egyptian FA is reportedly considering postponing the announcement of its decision until after the November international window to ensure the coaching uncertainty does not affect the team’s immediate preparations.

The national team will enter a closed training camp ahead of the double-header against Malawi, with both matches forming part of Egypt’s qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.