Bassem Ali leaves Egypt coaching staff 24 hours after appointment

Bassem Ali has stepped down as assistant coach of Egypt, just 24 hours after being appointed to Ali Maher’s new coaching staff.

The former Al Ahly and Al Mokawloon Al Arab player was named as an assistant when the Egypt Football Association announced its new technical team, which replaced Hossam Hassan.

Ali confirmed his departure in a post on Instagram, saying: “God has willed it, and what a blessing it is. Above all, God always chooses what is best for every person, and I am content with His wisdom. Praise and thanks be to God always.

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

“I wanted to be with them and represent Egypt because it is a great honour for any coach to be involved with and represent his country. I wish the respectful coaching staff every success. They deserve support and backing.”

Ali’s departure comes shortly before Egypt’s next two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi, scheduled for 13 and 17 November.

Egypt are in Group B alongside Angola, South Sudan and Malawi. They 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 qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola in Cairo before recording a 5-0 victory away to South Sudan.