Egypt sack Hossam Hassan and appoint Ali Maher as new coach

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has parted ways with head coach Hossam Hassan and his technical team, appointing Ali Maher as his replacement ahead of the country's upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The decision was officially announced on Saturday, 7 November, following a meeting of the EFA board to review recent developments surrounding the national team.

In a statement, the association said the decision was taken after considering events that had negatively affected the image and stability of the national team.

"Following a meeting of the EFA Board, and after reviewing all the circumstances and events that have unfolded recently, along with their negative impact on the national team's positive image and stability, the Board has decided to part ways with Hossam Hassan and his technical and administrative staff," the statement read.

The EFA thanked Hassan for his contributions during his time in charge and wished him well in his future career.

Ali Maher, who currently manages Egyptian Premier League side Ceramica Cleopatra, has been tasked with taking charge of the senior national team for the upcoming period.

The association has also asked the new coach to present his plans for assembling a technical team to work alongside him.

Hassan, a former Egypt international and the country's all-time leading goalscorer, took charge of the Pharaohs in February 2024.

During his tenure, he guided Egypt to fourth place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before leading the team to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Maher now faces an immediate challenge as Egypt prepare for their two-legged encounter against Malawi in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The Pharaohs are scheduled to face Malawi on 13 and 17 November in the third and fourth rounds of the qualifying campaign.

Egypt currently top Group B with four points after recording a win against South Sudan and a draw with Angola in their opening two matches.