Egyptian outlets reported Wednesday that the national team’s coaching staff, led by head coach Hossam Hassan, turned down a proposal from a sports marketing company to hold a friendly against Zambia in November.
According to the reports, the decision was made after the staff discovered that Zambia’s coach is Israel's Avram Grant. Hassan refused outright, reportedly to avoid creating disputes or triggering backlash from Egyptian fans and media.
The coaching staff was said to believe that a friendly against a team managed by Grant could place Egypt in an embarrassing position and generate unnecessary tension ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in December. The Pharaohs hope to arrive at the tournament with maximum focus and preparation.
Earlier this month, Egyptian soccer star Mohamed Salah criticized UEFA for what he described as a vague tribute to Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pelé,” who the Palestinian Football Association claimed was killed in Gaza while waiting for aid.
Egypt, one of Africa’s strongest national teams, currently leads Group 1 in the African World Cup qualifiers with 16 points from six matches — five wins and a draw — along with an impressive 14:2 goal differential. The team will face Ethiopia and Burkina Faso in September and could already secure its spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Zambia, meanwhile, sits in fourth place in Group 5 with three points after four matches. The team has only a slim chance of reaching second place, which would qualify it for the playoffs. In the upcoming window, Zambia will play Morocco, and anything short of a win will secure Morocco’s place at the top of the group and advancement.