Hamza Abdelkarim earns Egypt call-up as Ali Maher signals faith in Barcelona striker

Hamza Abdelkarim has been included in Egypt’s squad for the November international break, with new head coach Ali Maher selecting the young Barcelona forward among a 26-man group for the country’s two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Malawi.

The call-up is the first squad announcement made by Maher since he replaced Hossam Hassan as Egypt manager. Spanish newspaper Sport reported that Abdelkarim’s inclusion reflects the new coach’s intention to consider the striker as part of his plans for the next stage of the national team’s development.

Egypt will face Malawi in Cairo on Friday, 13 November 2026, before travelling to Lilongwe for the return fixture on Tuesday, 17 November. Both matches are part of the qualifying competition for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

The selection gives Abdelkarim another opportunity to build his international experience. He will join the camp alongside several of Egypt’s leading players, including Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

Abdelkarim has not previously worked with Maher at club or international level, but his inclusion in the coach’s first squad indicates that he has been given an opportunity to establish himself within the manager’s plans. The precise role Abdelkarim will have in either of the two matches has not yet been confirmed.

Egypt currently lead Group B with four points. They will look to strengthen their position in the standings during the two meetings with Malawi and move closer to qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.