Egypt Coaching Change: Hossam Hassan Reportedly Set to Leave After Malawi Qualifiers
Egypt’s national football team could be heading toward a major change in leadership, with a report from Al-Masry Al-Youm claiming that Egyptian Football Association officials have decided to part ways with head coach Hossam Hassan and his brother, team director Ibrahim Hassan. The reported plan would bring their tenure to an end after Egypt’s two upcoming matches against Malawi in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The report says the association, led by Hani Abu Rida, is considering appointing an Egyptian coach as Hassan’s successor. However, no replacement has been confirmed, and the choice is reportedly still under discussion. The possibility of hiring a foreign coach has also been raised, leaving Egypt’s next managerial appointment uncertain as attention turns to the November fixtures.
Malawi matches could mark the end of the current coaching spell
Egypt are scheduled to face Malawi in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The first meeting is set to take place at Cairo International Stadium on 13 November, before the teams meet again at Bingu International Stadium on 17 November.
According to Al-Masry Al-Youm, the Egyptian Football Association intends for the current technical staff to remain in place through both games. Assistant coach Tarek Soliman is expected to lead the team from the touchline, as Hossam Hassan is serving a three-match suspension imposed by FIFA. The report describes the Malawi fixtures as the final assignments for the brothers, although the association has not yet confirmed the decision publicly.
The timing presents a practical challenge. Egypt must continue its qualifying campaign while uncertainty surrounds the coaching staff. A change announced before the matches could distract from preparations, while delaying confirmation would leave questions about the team’s direction unanswered. That tension may explain why officials are reportedly weighing whether to make an announcement soon or wait until the November international window has concluded.
Hossam El-Badry and Ali Maher among reported candidates
Two Egyptian coaches have emerged as leading names in the succession discussion: Hossam El-Badry and Ali Maher. Both are familiar with the domestic game and have experience managing Egyptian clubs, qualities that could appeal to decision-makers seeking a quick transition without a lengthy adjustment period.
El-Badry has previously coached Egypt’s national team, giving him direct experience of the demands and scrutiny that come with the role. Ali Maher, meanwhile, has built a reputation through his work in Egyptian club football. Their reported inclusion suggests the association may favour a coach who understands the local player pool, league conditions and the expectations surrounding the national side.
Still, the names remain possibilities rather than confirmed appointments. Some voices within the association are reportedly advocating for a foreign coach instead. Such a choice could bring a different tactical approach, but it would also require careful consideration of adaptation time, communication and familiarity with Egypt’s players. The final decision is expected to depend on the association’s priorities once the current staff’s departure is formally settled.
Growing criticism adds pressure around the national team
The reported coaching change comes amid a period of heightened scrutiny for Hossam Hassan. His leadership has drawn criticism over comments concerning national-team players, with some observers questioning whether his public remarks have helped or harmed the squad’s atmosphere. Former Zamalek star Mahmoud Abdel Razek, known as Shikabala, has been among those calling for Hassan to resign.
Off-field controversy has added another layer to the discussion. A personal dispute involving Hassan and his former wife became a subject of media attention and legal proceedings. The Supreme Council for Media Regulation subsequently prohibited both parties from discussing personal matters in press appearances. While private issues are separate from football performance, the publicity has contributed to a wider debate about the pressures surrounding the national-team coach and the public responsibilities attached to the position.
For the Egyptian Football Association, any decision will need to account for more than recent headlines. Results, squad confidence, qualification prospects and the team’s longer-term development are all likely to shape the assessment. A coaching change can reset expectations, but it also carries risks—particularly if it is made during a competitive campaign without a clear transition plan.
What the coaching decision could mean for Egypt’s AFCON campaign
The Malawi double-header offers Egypt an immediate opportunity to strengthen its position in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Two matches in quick succession can test squad depth and tactical flexibility, making continuity valuable even as questions about the coaching staff intensify. Soliman’s role on the touchline will therefore be closely watched while Hassan serves his suspension.
Beyond the results, the performances may influence how supporters and officials assess the team’s readiness for the next phase. A strong display could help maintain momentum during an unsettled period; dropped points, by contrast, might increase pressure for a swift and decisive change. Any prediction about Egypt’s prospects should be cautious until the final squad, match plans and leadership arrangements are clear.
For now, the key facts are that Egypt’s Malawi fixtures are scheduled for 13 and 17 November, Hossam Hassan is suspended for the matches, and reports say the association is considering a coaching transition afterward. Neither the departure nor the appointment of a successor has been officially confirmed. Until an announcement is made, Egypt’s focus will remain on the qualifiers—and on navigating a crucial stretch of football amid uncertainty over who will lead the team next.
