El-Shenawy makes Egypt's comeback under the new coach Maher

Mohamed El-Shenawy makes a save during training session.

CAIRO, Nov 9: Egypt coach Ali Maher has named his first squad since taking charge of the Pharaohs, with goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy making a return ahead of the team's upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi.

The Al Ahly goalkeeper is among the most prominent names in Maher's maiden selection after missing the previous training camp under former coach Hossam Hassan. El-Shenawy's absence followed controversial remarks by Hassan, who said at a press conference last September that the goalkeeper had been "finished" at an earlier stage of his career before regaining his form with the national team.

Maher's first selection signals the start of a new era for Egypt following Hassan's departure, with the Pharaohs preparing for their first two assignments under the new coaching staff.

The goalkeeping department comprises El-Shenawy, Mehdi Soliman, Mostafa Shobeir, and Mohamed Alaa.

In defence, Maher selected Mahmoud El-Wensh, Hossam Abdel-Meguid, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Mahmoud Marei, Mohamed Hany, Karim Hafez, Ahmed Fattouh, and Tarek Alaa.

The midfield lineup includes Marwan Attia, Mohanad Lasheen, Mahmoud Saber, Mohamed Shehata, Nasser Maher, Ibrahim Adel, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Haitham Hassan, Mohamed Salah, and Omar Marmoush.

Hamza Abdelkarim and Mahmoud Mamdouh complete the squad's forward options.