Egypt begin Ali Maher era with 21 players in first training session

Egypt’s national team held their first training session under new head coach Ali Maher on Monday, with 21 players taking part as preparations began for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi.

Maher led the session after being appointed to replace Hossam Hassan. Egypt’s training camp opened on Monday evening at the National Teams Centre in 6th of October City.

Before training began, Maher addressed the squad and urged the players to work hard and show determination. He also told them that he had confidence in every member of the group.

The session included the domestic-based players, along with professionals Omar Marmoush, Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet”, Hossam Abdel Meguid and Rami Rabia.

Mohamed Salah, Omar Fayed and Haitham Hassan are due to join the camp on Tuesday.

Egypt will play Malawi on 13 and 17 November in the third and fourth rounds of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The four teams in Group B are Egypt, Angola, South Sudan and Malawi. Egypt currently lead the section with four points, ahead of Angola on goal difference. Malawi are third with three points, while South Sudan are bottom without a point.

Egypt began their campaign with a goalless draw against Angola in Cairo before recording a 5-0 away victory over South Sudan.

The full Egypt squad is:

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mehdi Suleiman (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 Fatouh (Zamalek), Tarek Alaa (Zed).

Midfielders: Marwan Attia (Al Ahly), Mohand Lasheen (Pyramids), Mahmoud Saber (Pyramids), Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek), Nasser Maher (Pyramids), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjælland), 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).