Newly appointed Egypt head coach Ali Maher has held his first meeting with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) board of directors, chaired by Engineer Hany Abo Rida, as preparations begin for the national team’s upcoming international assignments.
The meeting focused on the Pharaohs’ preparations for the next phase, with particular attention to establishing the technical structure and ensuring the team is ready for its forthcoming competitive commitments.
According to the Egyptian Football Association, Maher is expected to present the names of his proposed coaching staff to the board for approval ahead of the commencement of the national team’s training camp.
Following the meeting, the 52-year-old manager embarked on an inspection tour of the National Teams Centre, where he visited the players’ accommodation hotel, gymnasium and restaurant to familiarise himself with the facilities, equipment and arrangements available to the squad.
The visit represents an early step in Maher’s preparations as he begins his tenure following the departure of former head coach Hossam Hassan.
Maher faces an immediate challenge, with Egypt scheduled to take on Malawi in two crucial matches in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The first encounter is scheduled for November 13 at Cairo International Stadium, while the return fixture will take place on November 17 at Bingu National Stadium in Malawi.
Egypt currently occupy the top position in Group B with four points from their opening two qualifying matches, having played out a goalless draw against Angola before recording an emphatic 5-0 victory over South Sudan.
Maher arrives with considerable domestic coaching experience, having previously managed several Egyptian clubs, including Ceramica Cleopatra, whom he guided to the 2024/25 Egyptian League Cup title.
With his coaching staff awaiting official approval and the opening Malawi encounter fast approaching, the new Egypt manager will have limited time to organise his squad and establish his technical direction.
His first assignment will be closely watched as the Pharaohs seek to maintain their qualification momentum and restore stability ahead of the challenges that lie ahead.
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