Barcelona teenager Hamza Abdelkarim given key role in Egypt’s new-look attack

Barcelona forward Hamza Abdelkarim could become an important figure for Egypt after Ali Maher replaced Hossam Hassan as national team manager.

The Egyptian Football Association dismissed Hassan on Saturday and appointed Maher, who had previously been in charge of Ceramica Cleopatra, to lead the senior side.

Abdelkarim, 18, made only limited appearances for Barcelona at the start of the season but was recalled for Egypt’s two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi on 13 and 17 November.

He scored his first senior international goal during the previous international break, helping Egypt to a 5-0 victory over South Sudan. He also featured in the 0-0 draw with Angola and the 1-0 defeat by South Africa.

However, the change in management means Abdelkarim is now without one of his strongest supporters. Hassan had backed the striker before he broke into Barcelona’s first team and selected him for the World Cup last summer.

The arrival of Maher could nevertheless create a fresh opportunity. Abdelkarim is the only recognised centre-forward in Egypt’s squad, while the other attacking options – Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Mamdouh – are more accustomed to operating from wide positions.

Maher regularly used a traditional striker during his time at Ceramica Cleopatra, raising the possibility that the Barcelona player could have a prominent role in the new system.

There are high expectations surrounding Abdelkarim in Egypt, where he is viewed as a major prospect for the country’s future. Barcelona will also monitor his performances during the international break as they assess his readiness for further first-team opportunities.

Egypt’s squad for the Malawi matches is:

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

Defenders: Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh” (Zamalek), Hossam Abdelmagid (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), Mohanad 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 Hotspur), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona), Mahmoud Mamdouh (Modern Sport).

Egypt’s training camp began on 9 November at the national teams’ centre. The Pharaohs are aiming to strengthen their position at the top of Group B and move closer to qualification for the continental tournament.