Egypt targeting Africa Cup of Nations title, says FA vice-president Khaled El-Dirandaly

Khaled El-Dirandaly, vice-president of the Egyptian Football Association, says Egypt’s ambition is to win the Africa Cup of Nations.

“​It is only fair to thank Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan for the great successes they achieved with the Egypt national team,” El-Dirandaly told ON Sport.

“Our hopes are high of winning the Africa Cup of Nations, a title that has been absent from Egypt for many years,” he added.

El-Dirandaly said Egypt had demonstrated its strength in African football following the World Cup and warned that opponents should take the team seriously.

“After the World Cup, Egypt confirmed that it is one of the very strong teams in Africa and everyone must be wary of it,” he said.

He also revealed that a committee had been formed to restructure the Egyptian Football Association’s media operation.

“The committee consists of myself, Mostafa Abu Zahra and Enas Mazhar. It will oversee the restructuring of the media organisation within the Egyptian Football Association, including the selection of the new media co-ordinator for the Egypt national team,” El-Dirandaly said.

He added that financial discussions with Ali Maher had been concluded quickly and without disagreement.

“The financial agreements with Ali Maher were completed swiftly and there were no disputes over them,” he said.

Egypt began their campaign with Maher in charge by beating Malawi 5-0 in qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.