Egypt turn to Tarek Soliman for Malawi double-header amid Hossam Hassan suspension

Egypt assistant coach Tarek Soliman is expected to take charge of the team for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Malawi, with head coach Hossam Hassan set to miss both matches due to a FIFA-imposed suspension.

The Pharaohs are scheduled to face Malawi in the third and fourth rounds of the qualifiers, with the first encounter taking place in Cairo on November 13 before travelling to Malawi for the return fixture on November 17.

Soliman will assume responsibility for the Egyptian technical bench during the two encounters in the absence of Hassan.

He is currently working towards obtaining his CAF A coaching licence, a requirement expected to enable him to lead the team from the technical area during the matches.

CAF is expected to grant approval for Soliman to oversee the team from the bench after he completes the necessary steps towards securing the coaching qualification.

Hassan’s absence represents a significant change for Egypt ahead of the crucial fixtures, although the technical team will be hoping to maintain the momentum built during the opening rounds of the qualifying campaign.

Egypt currently sit on four points after opening their campaign with a goalless draw against Angola before recording an emphatic 5-0 victory over South Sudan.

The seven-time African champions will be eager to secure maximum points from the two matches against Malawi as they look to strengthen their position in the qualification race for the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.