Mahmoud Mamdouh earns first Egypt call-up as Ali Maher begins new era
Egypt head coach Ali Maher has named his first squad, with league-leading scorer Mahmoud Mamdouh among the headline selections for the Pharaohs’ upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi. The two fixtures will provide an early test of Maher’s plans as he looks to strengthen Egypt’s position in Group Two and move the team closer to the tournament.
The national team’s preparations begin on 9 November at the National Teams Centre. Egypt will host Malawi at Cairo International Stadium on 13 November before travelling for the return match at Bingu International Stadium on 17 November. With the sides meeting twice in quick succession, results could have a significant impact on the group standings.
Top scorer Mamdouh receives his first Egypt opportunity
The most striking selection is Mahmoud Mamdouh, the Modern Sport forward who has scored eight goals in the Egyptian league this season. His form has made him one of the campaign’s most productive attackers, and Maher’s decision gives the striker an opportunity to show whether his club performances can translate to the international stage.
Mamdouh joins a forward group featuring Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Hamza Abdelkarim. The mix offers Maher several different attacking profiles: established international quality, pace and movement from wide or central positions, and a new domestic option whose confidence is likely to be high after his strong start to the season.
His inclusion also gives Egypt a fresh selection story ahead of a pair of matches where the team may need to break down a compact Malawi defence. A first call-up does not guarantee an immediate starting role, but Mamdouh’s scoring record makes him a player supporters will be watching closely. For the striker, the camp is a chance to make a case for a longer-term place in the national setup.
Returns and notable absences shape Maher’s selection
Several familiar names return to the squad. Al-Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy is back, as are defender Mahmoud Hamdi “El-Wensh,” midfielder Mohamed Shehata, Nasser Maher and Mahmoud Marei. Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” also returns after recovering from the injury that kept him out of the previous international break.
El-Shenawy’s return has contributed to the omission of Al-Ahly Bank goalkeeper Abdelaziz El-Balaoty. The squad also includes Mahdy Soliman, Mostafa Shobier and Mohamed Alaa, giving Maher four options between the posts as he assesses his preferred goalkeeping hierarchy.
Al-Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour is again absent, with the decision described as technical. Mostafa Mohamed, the Konyaspor striker, has also not been selected. He has not featured in the Pharaohs’ plans since Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign last January.
Omar Fayed is another omission, this time because of injury. The Frosinone defender joined the previous camp as cover for the injured Hamdy Fathy, but is now unavailable himself. Ali Mahmoud, who earned his first cap during the last gathering, is also left out as Zamalek midfielder Mohamed Shehata returns to the group.
These choices suggest Maher is using his first squad to balance continuity with a fresh assessment of form and availability. The return of experienced players can help provide stability, while Mamdouh’s selection signals that strong domestic performances may be rewarded.
Egypt squad for the Malawi qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy (Al-Ahly), Mahdy Soliman (Zamalek), Mostafa Shobier (Al-Ahly), Mohamed Alaa (Ceramica Cleopatra).
Defenders: Mahmoud Hamdi “El-Wensh” (Zamalek), Hossam Abdelmagueid (Ludogorets), Rami Rabia (Al-Ain), Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice), Mahmoud Marei (Pyramids), Mohamed Hany (Al-Ahly), Karim Hafez (Pyramids), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek), Tarek Alaa (Zed).
Midfielders: Marwan Attia (Al-Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Mahmoud Saber (Pyramids), Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek), Nasser Maher (Pyramids), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjaelland), Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” (Al-Riyadh), Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” (Al-Ahly), Haitham Hassan (Celtic).
Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Trabzonspor), Omar Marmoush (Tottenham), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona), Mahmoud Mamdouh (Modern Sport).
Group Two standings and qualifying outlook
Egypt currently lead Group Two with four points, level with Angola but ahead on goal difference. Malawi are third with three points, while South Sudan have yet to earn a point. The standings remain tight enough that the two meetings with Malawi could reshape the race for qualification.
The Pharaohs began their campaign with a goalless away draw against Angola, a result that left room for improvement in attack. They responded emphatically by beating South Sudan 5-0 on the road. That victory supplied momentum, but the Malawi fixtures will test whether Egypt can carry their attacking rhythm into a more demanding two-leg assignment.
On paper, Egypt have the depth and individual quality to target maximum points. However, qualifying football often turns on details: disciplined defending, efficient finishing and the ability to manage pressure away from home. The first match in Cairo gives Maher a chance to establish control before the trip to Malawi, where conditions and atmosphere may make the return fixture a different challenge.
Prediction: Egypt aim to turn a promising start into a commanding position
Egypt will enter both matches as favourites, but the outcome will depend on how quickly Maher’s choices settle into a coherent team. The return of Trezeguet and El-Wensh adds experience, while Mamdouh brings a timely attacking option. If Egypt convert their chances in Cairo and remain organised in the second leg, they could strengthen their lead and take a major step toward the 2027 AFCON.
For Maher, the Malawi games are more than routine qualifiers: they are the opening chapter of his tenure and an early opportunity to define the team’s direction. For Mamdouh, they could mark the start of an international career. The Pharaohs’ challenge is to turn individual quality and strong league form into consistent results across both fixtures.
