Bassem Ali explains Egypt assistant coach exit after just 24 hours

Bassem Ali has explained why he left the Egypt national team’s coaching staff only 24 hours after being appointed as assistant coach.

The former Al Ahly and Arab Contractors player was named as part of the new coaching team led by Ali Maher, which was announced as the successor to Hossam Hassan.

However, Ali confirmed his departure a day after the new staff was revealed, saying he did not hold the licence required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

“I would like to clarify the reason for my exclusion, as there are CAF criteria and I must obtain the A licence to be with the Egypt national team,” Ali wrote on Instagram.

“I apologise if I did not explain this to everyone who follows me. I wish our national team and the respected coaching staff, led by Ali Maher, every success.”

Ali was appointed to work alongside Maher as the national team’s assistant coach, but his involvement ended before he could take up the role.

In a separate Instagram post, Ali said he accepted the decision and expressed his support for the new coaching staff.

“God has willed it, and what He has willed has happened. Ultimately, God always chooses what is best for every person, and I am satisfied with His wisdom. Praise and thanks be to God always,” he wrote.

“I hope the fans support and stand behind Ali Maher and the coaching staff. It was an honour for me to be among them, and I wish them success in the next stage.”

Ali also said representing Egypt had been a major personal ambition.

“I wanted to be with them and represent the Egypt national team because it is a great honour for any coach to be present and represent his country,” he added.

“Every success to the respected coaching staff, who deserve support and backing.”

Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying position

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

The Egyptian team are in Group B alongside Angola, South Sudan and Malawi.

Egypt lead the group 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 the campaign with a goalless draw against Angola in Cairo before securing a 5-0 away win against South Sudan.

The two matches against Malawi will be Egypt’s next fixtures in the qualifying campaign.