Egypt weigh coaching change as Hossam Hassan’s reign nears its end

Egypt’s football association has reportedly decided to dismiss head coach Hossam Hassan and his brother, assistant coach Ibrahim Hassan, after the team’s two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Malawi in November.

A report published by Al Masry Al Youm on Thursday said officials at the Egyptian Football Association, led by Hany Abou Rida, had agreed that the two brothers should leave their posts following a series of disputes surrounding the national team in recent months.

The Malawi fixtures are expected to be the final matches for the current coaching staff. Tarek Soliman is set to take charge from the touchline for both games because Hossam Hassan is serving a three-match suspension imposed by FIFA.

Egypt will host Malawi at Cairo International Stadium on 13 November before travelling for the return fixture at Bingu International Stadium on 17 November. The matches are the third and fourth rounds of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Egyptian candidates emerge

The Egyptian Football Association is understood to be considering appointing a domestic coach as Hassan’s replacement, with Hossam El Badry and Ali Maher among the leading candidates.

However, no final decision has been made. Some members of the association are reported to favour appointing a foreign manager instead, meaning the matter is expected to be settled after the current coaching staff’s departure is announced and the two Malawi matches have been played.

An official announcement had been expected within the next few hours, although there have also been suggestions that it could be delayed until after the November international window. That option would avoid disrupting the squad’s preparations for the two qualifiers.

Pressure beyond the pitch

Hossam Hassan has faced mounting scrutiny away from football as well as criticism over his management of the national team.

A dispute involving his former wife became a matter of public discussion after reaching the media and prompting legal action. The Supreme Council for Media Regulation subsequently issued decisions preventing both parties from appearing in the media to discuss personal matters.

Some of Hassan’s comments about Egypt players have also drawn criticism within the country’s sporting community. Calls for him to leave have grown, with former Zamalek player Mahmoud Abdel Razek Shikabala among those who have publicly urged the coach to resign.

The Football Association is therefore preparing for a change in the national team’s leadership, but the timing of the formal announcement remains unsettled. For now, Egypt’s immediate focus is on the two meetings with Malawi, which are expected to bring the current coaching arrangement to an end.