Egypt begin Ali Maher era with Malawi AFCON qualifiers approaching

Egypt have begun their first training camp under new head coach Ali Maher as preparations gather pace for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Malawi.

The Pharaohs will face Malawi on November 13 and 17 in the third and fourth rounds of the qualifiers, with Maher preparing to lead the seven-time African champions for the first time.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) appointed the 52-year-old Ceramica Cleopatra coach on Saturday following the dismissal of Hossam Hassan.

Maher, a former Al Ahly and Egypt striker, subsequently announced his first squad on Monday, naming 26 players for the two crucial fixtures.

According to the EFA, 21 players took part in Monday’s training session, while five foreign-based players are expected to join the squad later.

The outstanding players are Mohamed Salah, Hamza Abdel-Karim, Haitham Hassan, Ibrahim Adel and Mohamed Abdel-Moneim.

Egypt head into the double-header at the top of Group B with four points from their opening two matches.

They began their qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola before securing an emphatic 5-0 victory over South Sudan.

Maher will be hoping to maintain that momentum and strengthen Egypt’s position as they pursue qualification for the 2027 AFCON.