Ali Maher says he wants Egypt to play an attacking and defensively aggressive style after being appointed as the national team’s new head coach.
Maher will take charge of his first competitive matches when Egypt face Malawi on 13 and 17 November in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The former coach spoke publicly about his appointment, the previous regime led by Hossam Hassan and his plans for the Pharaohs in an interview with ON Sport.
“Any Egyptian coach has the right to manage the national team,” Maher said. “I thank Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan for what they gave to the team. I have always sympathised with the hardworking person in any field.
“We work hard, make sacrifices and keep going. I have fallen and got back up many times, but I have become used to that. I hope everyone will unite behind Egypt.”
Maher spoke particularly warmly about captain Mohamed Salah, describing him as one of the leading figures in the country’s football history.
“I have outstanding players, including the best player in the history of Egypt, Mohamed Salah,” he said. “He is a major brand and we are all proud of him. He is also a role model for all the players.
“We have a distinguished group of players abroad, alongside those playing domestically, and we have talent of the highest level.”
Egypt’s first fixture under Maher will be against Malawi on 13 November 2026, before the teams meet again four days later.
Maher explains appointment and coaching staff
Maher said negotiations with the Egyptian Football Association were straightforward and praised its president Hany Abou Rida and the organisation’s officials.
“Engineer Hany Abou Rida and the officials at the Egyptian Football Association are respectable people who want to do something for the country and have a clear vision,” he said. “The meeting to reach an agreement went very smoothly.”
He also explained how he selected his backroom team, saying he had focused on appointing people capable of performing effectively in their respective roles.
“I was keen to choose people who could give their best in the positions they hold,” Maher said. “Everyone I selected is ready to take responsibility, loves working and has a genuine desire to do something for Egypt.”
Maher added that his vision did not include creating a position for a national team director.
“This country deserves us to work hard for it,” he said. “God willing, we will be able to offer something different.”
The new Egypt manager ended by appealing to supporters to back the players and the national team.
“I hope everyone will rally around the team and that the players will feel the support and affection,” he said. “God willing, we will be a strong team that plays attractive football and shows aggression both in attack and defence.”
