Egypt's national football team begins a new chapter on Monday, November 9, as head coach Ali Maher opens his first training camp in charge of the Pharaohs ahead of two matches against Malawi in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Maher takes charge following the departure of former head coach Hossam Hassan and his coaching staff.

His first challenge is to guide Egypt to positive results and strengthen the team's position in Group B.

The new coach has selected 26 players for the two matches, including key attacking stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, along with several familiar names returning to the national team.

However, his first squad has also raised questions because of the absence of several players who have been performing well for their clubs, including Ahmed El Shenawy, Omar El Saei, Mohamed Ismail, and Mohamed Reda Bobo.

Egypt's Training Camp and Malawi Fixtures

Egypt begins its training camp on Monday at the National Teams Center before moving to Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, November 11, for the final training sessions ahead of the first match.

The Pharaohs will host Malawi on Friday, November 13, at 9:00 PM Cairo time at Cairo International Stadium in the third round of the qualifiers.

Egypt will then travel to Malawi for the return match on Tuesday, November 17, at Bingu International Stadium.

The game is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM Cairo time in the fourth round.

Egypt currently shares the top spot in Group B with Angola, with both teams collecting four points.

Malawi sits third with three points.

The Pharaohs started their qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola before recording a convincing 5-0 victory over South Sudan.

The two upcoming matches give Ali Maher an important opportunity to improve Egypt's position in the group and move closer to qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Winning both matches would also provide a strong start for the new coaching staff and increase confidence ahead of the remaining qualifiers.

Ali Maher's Squad and Key Absences

Ali Maher has selected four goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobier, El Mahdi Soliman, and Mohamed Alaa.

However, Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy remains outside the national team despite his strong performances at club level.

Ahmed El Shenawy had already lost his place during Hossam Hassan's time in charge, and his absence continues under the new head coach.

Meanwhile, Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy returns to the squad.

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In defense, Maher has called up Mahmoud Hamdy El Wensh, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Rami Rabia, Mahmoud Marei, Mohamed Hany, Ahmed Fatouh, Karim Hafez, and Tarek Alaa.

Zamalek defender Mohamed Ismail is one of the notable absentees.

The young player has been a regular starter for his club and has delivered impressive performances since the beginning of the season.

Despite his progress, Ismail has not been included in Maher's first squad and will have to wait for another opportunity.

In midfield, Egypt has selected Marwan Attia, Mohanad Lasheen, Mahmoud Saber, Mohamed Shehata, Nasser Maher, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Ibrahim Adel, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, and Haitham Hassan.

Al Ahly midfielder Omar El Saei is another important omission.

The player has shown improvement in recent matches and scored three goals in seven appearances this season.

Despite his attacking contributions, El Saei was not selected for the national team.

Mohamed Reda Bobo of Ceramica Cleopatra is also missing from the squad, even though he previously worked with Ali Maher at club level.

Bobo has played nine matches this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

However, those numbers were not enough to secure him a place in the national team.

In attack, Maher has selected Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Hamza Abdelkarim, and Mahmoud Mamdouh, giving Egypt several attacking options for the upcoming fixtures.

These selections represent the first major test of Ali Maher's plans for the national team.

Egyptian supporters will be watching closely to see how the new coach organizes his players and whether he can build a balanced team in a short period.

The Malawi matches will also give the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate the selected players and identify those who could play important roles in future matches.

Competition for places is expected to remain open, with both domestic players and those playing abroad hoping to earn opportunities in upcoming international camps.

For Ali Maher, the main objective is clear: secure a positive start, collect as many points as possible against Malawi, and take another important step toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.