Egyptian broadcasters Seif Zaher and Ibrahim Fayek have reported that Ceramica Cleopatra head coach Ali Maher is set to succeed Hossam Hassan as Egypt manager, a major step for a coach who built his reputation in the Egyptian Premier League.
The reports came after Fayek said the decision to dismiss Hassan had been made, with Maher facing a quick start if appointed as Egypt prepare to assemble for their November camp and play two qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Maher, 52, began his playing career at Tersana before joining Al Ahly and represented Egypt at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, then moved into coaching with roles in Al Ahly’s youth setup and on the first-team staff.
He made his name as a head coach at Al Assiouty before spells at Smouha, ENPPI and Al Masry, then led Future, now known as Modern Sport, to victory in the inaugural Egyptian League Cup in 2021–22.
Maher later returned to Al Masry before taking charge of Ceramica Cleopatra in February 2025, adding a second League Cup title when his side beat National Bank of Egypt 2–0 in the 2024–25 final.
He then guided Ceramica to fourth place in the Egyptian Premier League in 2025–26, the club’s first finish that high, extended his contract until the end of the 2026–27 season and earned his CAF Pro Licence in September.
Time will be Maher’s first challenge if the appointment goes through, with Egypt’s camp starting on 9 November before the Pharaohs host Malawi at Cairo International Stadium on 13 November and face them again at Bingu National Stadium on 17 November in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying.
Egypt top the group with four points after a goalless draw with Angola and a 5–0 win over South Sudan, leading Angola on goal difference and Malawi by a point ahead of two matches that could shape the race to reach the finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
After years in club football, Maher would have to prepare his side in short international windows and work with a squad featuring Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, with qualification the immediate priority before building a team capable of winning Egypt’s first continental title since 2010.
