Egypt’s new coach Ali Maher set to hand Mohamed El Shenawy a lifeline

Mohamed El Shenawy’s chances of returning to the Egyptian national team have reportedly improved following Ali Maher’s appointment as the new head coach of the Pharaohs, replacing Hossam Hassan.

The Al Ahly captain had faced an uncertain international future under the previous technical team, with indications that he was set to be left out of the squad for the upcoming national team camp had Hossam Hassan remained in charge.

According to reports, Hossam Hassan and his technical staff had planned to retain the four goalkeepers who featured in the previous Egyptian national team camp, a decision that would have resulted in El Shenawy missing out on the latest invitation.

The report indicates that the experienced goalkeeper was certain to be excluded from the squad under the former coaching arrangement, with his chances of securing a place in the team considered extremely slim.

However, the change in the technical leadership has altered the situation considerably, reopening the possibility of an international return for the Al Ahly shot-stopper.

Ali Maher’s arrival has reportedly given El Shenawy renewed hope of earning a place in the Pharaohs’ squad, with the new coaching setup understood to be considering the experienced goalkeeper as part of its plans for the upcoming camp.

A significant indication of his improved chances emerged after the Egyptian Football Association obtained El Shenawy’s international passport in preparation for a possible inclusion in the squad.

The development suggests that the Al Ahly goalkeeper is once again being considered for national team duty following the recent changes within the technical department.

El Shenawy’s participation in Al Ahly’s Egypt Cup fixture against El Sekka El Hadid has also reportedly strengthened his chances of returning to the national team.

The goalkeeper featured as Al Ahly secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over El Sekka El Hadid to progress to the round of 16, where they are scheduled to face Suez Petrojet.

His involvement in the cup encounter has further placed him in contention as the new technical team assesses its goalkeeping options ahead of the upcoming international assignment.

For El Shenawy, a potential return would represent an opportunity to revive his international career after facing uncertainty under the previous coaching arrangement.

The experienced goalkeeper has been an important figure for both Al Ahly and Egyptian football over the years, making his possible return a notable development as the Pharaohs begin a new chapter under Ali Maher.

Nevertheless, his inclusion in the final squad will depend on the new coach’s assessment and the decisions of the technical team as preparations for the upcoming national team camp continue.