Mohamed El Shenawy and Mahmoud Trezeguet have returned to Egypt’s squad, while Mahmoud Mamdouh has received his first international call-up. CAF published the selection details on 9 November as new coach Ali Maher prepared for two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Malawi.
Egypt host the first match in Cairo on 13 November before visiting Lilongwe for the return on 17 November. This is Maher’s first squad since taking charge. CAF links Mamdouh’s inclusion to his eight goals in eight league appearances, a concrete scoring record behind the decision to introduce a new forward alongside established internationals.
Egypt begin the window on four points and Malawi on three. CAF’s 10 November guide to matchdays three and four also lists Angola on four points ahead of their games against South Sudan. The significance therefore extends beyond the two direct meetings: results elsewhere in Group B will influence the qualification race too.
CAF explains that the top two teams progress from groups without a host nation. Leading at this stage does not secure qualification, particularly with the final two rounds still scheduled for March 2027. The double-header instead offers an early competitive examination of Maher’s choices. Returning internationals and a first-time call-up must now translate a squad announcement into results that protect Egypt’s position over two official fixtures.
Mohamed El Shenawy with Egypt in July 2026; archival photograph, not from the November camp. Photographer/creator: Bryan Berlin. Image source · CC BY-SA 4.0. 2026-07-07 11:20:22.
