Ali Maher appointment could give Barcelona striker Hamza Abdelkarim bigger Egypt role

Barcelona forward Hamza Abdelkarim could emerge as a key player for Egypt after Ali Maher replaced Hossam Hassan as national team manager.

The Egyptian Football Association dismissed Hassan last Saturday and appointed Maher, who had previously been in charge of Ceramica Cleopatra, to lead the senior side.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the 18-year-old is aiming to make a stronger impression during the current international break after making only limited appearances for Barcelona at the start of the season.

Abdelkarim has been selected for Egypt’s African Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi on 13 and 17 November. He scored his first senior international goal during the previous international window, helping Egypt beat South Sudan 5-0, and also featured in the draws with Angola, which ended 0-0, and the 1-0 defeat by South Africa.

However, Hassan’s dismissal before the November fixtures has changed the situation for the teenager. Hassan had been one of Abdelkarim’s strongest supporters and had selected him for the World Cup last summer before he established himself with Barcelona’s first team.

The managerial change could therefore bring both a setback and an opportunity. Abdelkarim has lost a prominent backer, but Maher’s preferred use of a traditional centre-forward may give the Barcelona player an important role.

Abdelkarim is the only recognised central striker in Egypt’s squad. The other forwards called up are Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Mamdouh, all of whom are more naturally suited to operating from the wings.

Egypt have high hopes for Abdelkarim and regard him as a potential future star for the country. Barcelona will also monitor his displays during the international break as the club assesses his ability to earn more opportunities with the first team.

Egypt squad for Malawi matches

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mehdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), Mohamed Alaa (Ceramica Cleopatra).

Defenders: Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh” (Zamalek), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Ludogorets), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice), Mahmoud Marei (Pyramids), Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Karim Hafez (Pyramids), Ahmed Fattouh (Zamalek), Tarek Alaa (ZED).

Midfielders: Marwan Attia (Al Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Mahmoud Saber (Pyramids), Mohamed Shehata (Zamalek), Nasser Maher (Pyramids), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjaelland), Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” (Al Riyadh), Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” (Al Ahly), Haitham Hassan (Celtic).

Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Trabzonspor), Omar Marmoush (Tottenham Hotspur), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona), Mahmoud Mamdouh (Modern Sport).

Egypt’s camp began on 9 November at the National Teams Centre. The Pharaohs are seeking to strengthen their position at the top of Group B and move closer to qualification for the continental tournament.