Ceramica Cleopatra manager Ali Maher takes charge of the Pharaohs ahead of November's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi.

Published 8 Nov 2026, 06:41 GMT

2 min read

Hossam Hassan on the touchline as Egypt head coach (file photo)

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The Egyptian Football Association dismissed national team head coach Hossam Hassan on Saturday, November 7, and appointed Ceramica Cleopatra manager Ali Maher as his replacement.

In an official statement announcing the change, the Egyptian Football Association cited “a negative impact on the positive image of the team” and said “maintaining the team's stability is a paramount priority” that could not be compromised.

Maher, an experienced coach in the Egyptian Premier League whose Ceramica Cleopatra side currently sit fourth in the domestic standings, takes over immediately ahead of Egypt's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi on Friday, November 13, and Tuesday, November 17, with Egypt topping Group B.

The federation did not detail the specific incidents behind Hassan's dismissal, which came after Egypt's Supreme Council for Media Regulation banned him last week from appearing on any media outlet across the country following public disputes in his personal life.

Egyptian media reports attributed the board's decision primarily to those off-field personal matters rather than reported disagreements with senior players in the squad, including captain Mohamed Salah.

In January 2026, he guided the seven-time continental champions to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were eliminated by Senegal after knocking out defending champions Ivory Coast.

His departure ends a two-year tenure in charge of the national side as Maher prepares the squad for next week's qualifying matches against Malawi.

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

Egypt sack coach Hossam Hassan over &#39;negative impact&#39; on team image, appoint Ali Maher

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Egypt sack coach Hossam Hassan over 'negative impact' on team image, appoint Ali Maher

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