Hamada Sedky emerges as leading candidate for Egypt Olympic team role

Hamada Sedky is the leading candidate to become head coach of the Egypt Olympic team, with the national side preparing for a friendly against Japan as part of its build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations Under-23.

The appointment has not yet been formally confirmed, but FilGoal understands that Sedky is currently the closest contender to take charge of Egypt’s Under-23 side.

If the decision is finalised, Sedky is expected to be joined by Ahmed Fathy as coach, while Essam El Hadary would take responsibility for the goalkeepers.

Sedky recently left Algerian club ES Setif after his contract was ended. He departed at the end of October following a six-match spell in charge, during which the team recorded one win, two draws and three defeats.

ES Setif are 12th in the Algerian league table with five points and are one point clear of the relegation places.

Egypt will host the Africa Cup of Nations Under-23 finals in November 2027. The tournament will also serve as a qualifying competition for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The Egypt Olympic team are due to face Japan in a friendly on Tuesday, 17 November, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00.

Shawky Gharib, the technical director of the Egyptian Football Association, is currently overseeing the Olympic team on an interim basis while officials decide on the permanent coaching staff.

Gharib led the side’s first training camp, which included physical and medical assessments but did not feature any friendly matches.