Ismaily appoint Ashraf Khodr as new head coach after Khaled El-Qamash exit

Ismaily have appointed Ashraf Khodr as their new head coach as the club prepares for life in Egypt’s Professional League.

Khodr takes charge of the first team in succession to Khaled El-Qamash, who was appointed only 37 days ago. The change comes after Ismaily were relegated from the Egyptian Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The club announced the decision on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, as preparations for the new campaign continue.

In a statement, Ismaily said: “The committee tasked with managing Ismaily Club announces that, as part of preparations for the new season, it has been decided to appoint Ashraf Khodr, one of the club’s loyal sons and one of the recognised technical talents known for his experience and competence, to undertake the duties of head coach of the first team during the coming period, in the belief in his technical capabilities and experience, and confidence in his ability to lead the team and fulfil the aspirations of the club’s supporters.”

Khodr is described by Ismaily as a long-serving figure within the club and a coach whose experience and ability made him the preferred choice for the next stage.

The appointment follows a difficult season for the Egyptian club. Ismaily finished bottom of the Egyptian Premier League in 2025-26 and will therefore compete in the Professional League during the forthcoming campaign.

The club began its preparations for the new season several weeks ago. Its first scheduled league fixture will be against Masar on 21 August, in the opening round of the Professional League.

That match will provide Khodr with his first competitive assignment in his second spell as the coach appointed to lead Ismaily into the new campaign, following the brief period in which El-Qamash held the role.

Ismaily’s decision comes before the start of their Professional League campaign, with the club seeking to respond to last season’s relegation and meet the expectations of its supporters. The new coach has now been entrusted with guiding the team through that challenge after being placed in charge by the committee managing the club.