Mahmoud Hamdy ‘El Wensh’ returns to Egypt squad after three-year absence

Zamalek defender Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh” says his return to the Egypt squad after three years was made possible by perseverance through a series of injuries and three operations.

El Wensh was included in head coach Ali Maher’s first squad for the Pharaohs’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Malawi on 13 and 17 November.

“After three years away from the Egypt national team, following a long journey with injuries, three surgical operations, pain, patience and many attempts, I thank God for allowing me to represent my country again,” El Wensh wrote on Instagram.

“The journey was not easy and included many difficult days, but my faith in God, my determination and my dream of wearing the national team shirt again never ended.”

The 30-year-old thanked everyone who supported him during his recovery, including doctors, physiotherapists and coaches, and paid particular tribute to his family.

“I especially thank my family, who believed in me and stood by me during the most difficult moments,” he added.

“Praise be to God for his generosity and for every moment of patience. I have returned with greater belief, ambition and desire to give everything I have to my country.”

El Wensh last played for Egypt’s senior team in 2022, when they drew 0-0 with Niger in a friendly under Portuguese manager Rui Vitoria.

He also featured for Egypt’s second team during the 2025 Arab Cup, playing once against Jordan in the group stage.

Maher replaced Hossam Hassan as Egypt manager, and his first squad includes the return of Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, Zamalek midfielder Mohamed Shehata, and Pyramids pair Nasser Maher and Mahmoud Marei.

Modern Sport striker Mahmoud Mamdouh, the Egyptian league’s leading scorer with eight goals, has received his first call-up.

Imam Ashour has been left out for technical reasons, while Banco National goalkeeper Abdel Aziz El Balouty has made way for El Shenawy. Frosinone defender Omar Fayed is also absent after being called up during the previous international break as cover for the injured Hamdy Fathy.

Al Wakrah midfielder Hamdy Fathy is unavailable because of injury, as is Al Ahly midfielder Ali Mahmoud, who made his Egypt debut during the previous break. Mohamed Shehata takes their place in the squad.

Mustafa Ziko is missing after Fifa suspended him for five matches because of comments made following Egypt’s match against Argentina.

Al Riyadh midfielder Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” returns after recovering from the injury that ruled him out of the last international break. Konyaspor striker Mostafa Mohamed remains absent and has not been selected since Egypt’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Egypt squad

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mehdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), Mohamed Alaa (Ceramica Cleopatra).

Defenders: Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh” (Zamalek), Hossam Abdel Meguid (Ludogorets), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice), Mahmoud Marei (Pyramids), Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Karim Hafez (Pyramids), Ahmed Fattouh (Zamalek), Tarek Alaa (Zed).

Midfielders: Marwan Attia (Al Ahly), Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids), Mahmoud Saber (Pyramids), Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek), Nasser Maher (Pyramids), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjaelland), Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” (Al Riyadh), Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” (Al Ahly), Haitham Hassan (Celtic).

Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Trabzonspor), Omar Marmoush (Tottenham), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona), Mahmoud Mamdouh (Modern Sport).

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

Egypt drew 0-0 with Angola in Cairo before recording a 5-0 away victory against South Sudan.