Hamada Talba backs Ali Maher to lead Egypt into a new era

Former Egypt international Hamada Talba says supporters will see a different national team under Ali Maher, who has replaced the previous coaching staff.

Speaking by telephone to presenter Dr Ahmed El-Bakry on The Defender programme on Al Shams channel, Talba said he had predicted Maher would become one of Egypt’s leading coaches after working with him at Al Assiouty.

Talba said Maher’s technical ability and coaching ideas gave him confidence that he could guide Egypt to strong results. He also described the new manager as an attack-minded coach who wants his teams to play entertaining football.

“Ali Maher has an attacking personality and likes to present enjoyable football,” Talba said. “The Egyptian fans will feel the difference in the team’s performances, but everyone must give him a full opportunity before judging his experience.”

Egypt are scheduled to face Malawi in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on 13 November 2026. Malawi will host Egypt in the return fixture on 17 November 2026.

Talba also praised the mood inside Egypt’s current training camp, saying the players’ apparent happiness reflected a sense of comfort and harmony within the squad. He believes that atmosphere can have a positive effect on the team’s performances in the next stage.

The former international also defended Mohamed Salah, describing the Egypt captain as a major figure and a footballing legend whose contribution should not be underestimated.

“It is difficult to find a player with a professional mentality and a global personality like Mohamed Salah,” Talba said. “He deserved special treatment that reflected his value and what he has given to Egyptian football.”

Talba then spoke about his own previous experience with former Egypt manager Hossam Hassan, claiming he had been treated unfairly during that period. He added that several players had also been wronged and had been made to carry responsibility for failures in which they had not been involved.

Despite those comments, Talba rejected any suggestion that he was celebrating Hassan’s difficulties. “God forbid that we should gloat,” he said, adding that Hassan was going through a period in which he needed support and backing from everyone rather than attempts to settle old scores.

Talba ended by reiterating his belief that Maher can succeed with Egypt. He called on supporters and the media to give the manager the necessary backing and time to demonstrate his ability and lead the Pharaohs into a new period of improved performances and results.