The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has named former Egypt Legendary striker Hossam Hassan the new national team coach.
Hossam will be accompanied by his twin brother, Ibrahim, who will serve as the team director.
The decision to replace Portuguese tactician Rui Vitoria with Hossam Hassan comes after Egypt’s lackluster performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The seven-time African champions failed to win a match during the tournament and were knocked out in the round of 16 after losing a penalty shootout to DR Congo, leading to Vitoria’s dismissal.
Among the candidates considered for the position were French coaches Herve Renard and Sebastien Desabre, but it was Hossam Hassan, currently coaching at Modern Future FC, who emerged as the frontrunner.
Hassan, a former star player for Ahly and Zamalek, brings a wealth of experience to the national team. The 57-year-old former striker has managed several clubs in Egypt, including Zamalek, Pyramids FC, Ismaily, Masry, and has also guided the Jordan national team.
Watch Hossam Hassan’s top 25 goals
Having won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) three times with Egypt, Hossam Hassan holds the record as the Pharaohs’ all-time leading goal scorer with 68 goals.
Hossam Hassan’s appointment marks the third coaching change made by the EFA in the past two years, following Ehab Galal’s replacement of Carlos Queiroz and Rui Vitoria’s subsequent arrival three months later.
