Egypt begin new era with Ali Maher as head coach

Egypt have held their first training session under new head coach Ali Maher, who has replaced Hossam Hassan in charge of the national team.

Maher attended the opening session of Egypt’s latest camp on Monday evening at the National Teams Centre in 6th of October City.

The new manager addressed the players during the training session, urging them to work hard and show persistence. He also expressed his confidence in the entire squad.

The session included the domestic-based players, as well as Omar Marmoush, Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet”, Hossam Abdelmaguid and Rami Rabia, who joined from overseas clubs.

Mohamed Salah, Omar Fayed, Haitham Hassan and Hamza Abdelkarim are due to join the squad on Tuesday.

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

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

Egypt squad

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

Defenders: Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh” (Zamalek), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Ludogorets), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice), Mahmoud Marei (Pyramids), Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Karim Hafez (Pyramids), Ahmed Fattouh (Zamalek), Tarek Alaa (ZED).

Midfielders: Marwan Attia (Al Ahly), Mohanad Lashin (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), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona), Mahmoud Mamdouh (Modern Sport).