Ali Maher insists on Mohamed Abdel Karim role if appointed Egypt manager

Ali Maher wants Mohamed Abdel Karim to join him as general coach if he is appointed manager of Egypt, according to a source at the Egyptian Football Association.

The Ceramica Cleopatra head coach is close to being formally named as the new manager of the national side, with Egypt’s next matches coming against Malawi in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

The Egyptian Football Association has decided to end Hossam Hassan’s tenure, and an official announcement is expected within hours, FilGoal.com has learned.

A source told FilGoal.com: “Mohamed Abdel Wahed is the closest to continuing with the new national team coaching staff as an assistant coach.”

The source added: “Ali Maher is determined to bring Mohamed Abdel Karim with him as general coach if he is appointed.”

Egypt are scheduled to play Malawi on 13 and 17 November in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Pharaohs are top of Group B with four points, level with Angola but ahead on goal difference. Malawi sit third on three points, while South Sudan are bottom without a point.

Egypt opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Angola in Cairo before producing a 5-0 away win over South Sudan.

The group also includes Angola and South Sudan, with Egypt’s two matches against Malawi set to be their next opportunities to strengthen their position in the qualification table.

Hossam Hassan took charge of Egypt in 2022. During his time in charge, he led the national team to fourth place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.