Arab Cup Revelations: Imam Ashour in Focus and a Surprising Zamalek Double Move

Key updates ahead of the Arab Cup

Ahmed Hassan, the manager coordinating Egypt’s second national team, outlined the selection process under head coach Hamdi Toulan and noted how the squad will compete in the Arab Cup. Egypt is placed in Group 3 alongside Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, with the fifth spot to be decided by the Kuwait vs Mauritania winner. The aim is to balance ambition with discipline, ensuring the best mix to represent the nation on the regional stage.

Transparency and player commitments

Hassan stressed that the press conference was fully documented and that certain media reports had misrepresented what was said. He asserted that the coaching staff operates with full transparency and avoids unnecessary public disputes. Toulan delegated Hassan to speak on his behalf, and Hassan delivered the message clearly, without personal embellishment.

Imam Ashour, Elneny and the Zamalek duo

The discussion highlighted Mohamed Elneny’s early willingness to join the squad and his strong sense of responsibility toward the national team. Imam Ashour reached out personally, expressing a keen desire to participate, but health issues prevented his immediate participation, a situation the coaches fully understood as a priority on recovery. On the goalkeeper front, Ahmed Shennawy was mentioned as a strong candidate, yet the recent club situation surrounding Shennawy created an instance where circumstances ultimately limited his inclusion in the current squad.

Surprise from the Zamalek camp

Two Zamalek players drew attention: Abdullah Al-Sayed and Nasser Maher. Hassan explained that Al-Sayed preferred direct participation in the Arab Cup rather than joining the full training camp, a stance the coaching staff did not approve, given the need for a complete program. In contrast, Maher was excluded for technical reasons, with the staff feeling he lacked the enthusiasm or readiness required at this stage.

Ultimately, the Egypt coaches emphasized that selection hinges on commitment and readiness, not on names or affiliations. The door remains open to any player who proves they can contribute to the team’s goals, but the program will not bend to exceptions or favorites.

Two light-hearted notes to end on: 1) In football, the truth always seems to be offside until the press conference brings it back onside. 2) If commitment were a jersey size, some players would wear it proudly, while others would borrow a bigger one just to look good—until it actually fits on the pitch.