Sports
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan denies player disputes, defends El-Shenawy exclusion
September 24, 2026 at 06:26 PM · Updated 22d ago
Coverage
8 reports · over 4 hours
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has denied rumors of personal disputes with players and defended his squad selections ahead of Friday's qualifier against Angola.
- Hossam Hassan denied rumors that personal disputes shaped his squad selections, calling such suggestions "shameful."
- Hassan said Mohamed El-Shenawy's exclusion reflected the technical staff's vision, stressing the coach holds decision-making authority.
- Hassan said no player holds a guaranteed place, with selection based on performance and form.
- Egypt faces Angola on Friday at Cairo Stadium in the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Hassan criticized the level of the Egyptian Premier League, saying it lags behind the national team's standards.
- Hassan said the friendly against South Africa was chosen by the federation, not by him.
- Hassan criticized the weak level of competition in the Egyptian Premier League, saying the national team develops players for clubs rather than the reverse.
- Hassan said he did not choose the friendly against South Africa and questioned its timing at the end of a camp that featured official matches.
- Egyptian Football Association president Hani Abou Rida said Mohamed El-Shenawy remains a respected and valued figure in Egyptian football.
- Hassan said Mohamed El-Shenawy had been finished at Al Ahly but regained his level with the national team.
- Hassan confirmed Egypt's readiness for Friday's qualifier against Angola despite player injuries.
- Hassan said Egypt relies on domestic league players more than other African nations do.





