Hossam Hassan remarks trigger backlash in Egypt

Hossam Hassan’s comments about Mohamed El Shenawy have created a dispute around Egypt’s national team before the start of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The coach’s description of the goalkeeper’s past form drew criticism from football figures, broadcasters and supporters, while senior voices moved to defend the Al Ahly captain.

The issue emerged at the press conference ahead of Egypt’s opening qualifier against Angola on Friday. Hassan said El Shenawy’s absence from the current camp was a football decision and was not linked to a personal disagreement. He also recalled a period when the goalkeeper was not playing regularly for his club, saying El Shenawy had been finished at that stage before returning to the national team and recovering his level.

The wording prompted Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abu Rida to highlight El Shenawy’s service to both Egypt and Al Ahly. Abu Rida described him as a loyal figure in Egyptian football and stressed that his record and standing as a player and captain remained respected by the federation.

Former Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary also backed El Shenawy with a message on X. The controversy reached Al Ahly, where former Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan said football director Wael Gomaa had contacted the national-team staff to convey the club’s displeasure. The dispute has therefore placed Hassan’s handling of one of Egypt’s leading figures at the centre of attention before qualifying begins.