Egypt short-list five for head coach role

Mido

Monday Sep 02, 2019. 13:00

The FIFA-appointed normalisation committee of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) have confirmed a five-man shortlist to take over as head coach of the national side, with an announcement expected this week.

Veteran coach Hassan Shehata, who led the side to three successive Africa Cup of Nations titles between 2006 and 2010, is seen as the favourite to replace Mexican Javier Aguirre, who was sacked after Egypt’s second round exit to South Africa at the continental finals they hosted earlier this year.

“Right now we have five candidates to take charge of the national team,” normalisation committee head Amr El-Ganainy was quoted by MBC Masr.

“Hassan Shehata, Hossam El Badry, Hossam Hassan, Ahmed Hossam Mido, and Ehab Galal. These are the five names that are nominated for the job. We will announce the chosen name next week,”

While Shehata may be favourite, the 72-year-old’s age may count against him and there are others with the right skills to lead the team.

El-Badry has coached both Cairo giants Al Ahly and the Egypt Olympic team in the past, Hassan almost engineered a shock World Cup qualification for Jordan in 2014. He currently coaches Egyptian side Smouha.

Neither Galal or Mido have coached at international level in the past, but both had stellar careers and command a lot of respect in Egyptian football.