# Egypt national team faces internal crisis after Angola draw

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/egypt-national-football-team-goalkeeper-situation
> Updated: 2026-10-03T21:54:51.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 5.

The Egypt national football team continues to face internal instability following a scoreless draw against Angola in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The crisis involves the departure of captain Mohamed Salah and an ongoing dispute regarding goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

Regarding Salah, official sources suggested he was granted permission to leave the camp to care for his son, ‘Layl’, and to avoid playing on artificial turf. However, reports indicate Salah is considering international retirement due to tensions with the technical staff and a perceived lack of appreciation for his role. While Egypt secured a 5-0 victory over South Sudan in his absence, his future remains uncertain.

Simultaneously, friction involving Mohamed El Shenawy has intensified following coach Hossam Hassan’s comments that the goalkeeper was once ‘finished’. In response, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has moved to stabilize the situation. EFA Vice President Khaled El Darandaly clarified that the board fully supports Hassan and the technical staff, dismissing rumors of potential dismissal following the team’s trip to South Sudan.

Addressing the goalkeeper controversy, El Darandaly stated that the association should have issued a clarification sooner, affirming that El Shenawy remains a ‘highly valued player’ with significant contributions to both Al Ahly and the national team. The EFA emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relationships with clubs to ensure the team’s continued success.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-03: Egyptian Football Association supports Hossam Hassan amid recent controversies

The Egyptian Football Association has reaffirmed its support for head coach Hossam Hassan and addressed recent tensions regarding player Mohamed El Shenawy to ensure national team stability.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/egyptian-football-association-supports-hossam-hassan-amid-recent-controversies

### 2026-10-03: Mohamed Salah considers international retirement amid Egypt team tensions

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah is reportedly considering international retirement following reported tensions with coach Hossam Hassan and his departure from the national team camp.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mohamed-salah-considers-international-retirement-amid-egypt-team-tensions

### 2026-09-24: Egypt national team faces internal tension amid Salah departure and El Shenawy dispute

Tensions rise in the Egypt national team following a draw with Angola, marked by Mohamed Salah’s departure from camp and a dispute between coach Hossam Hassan and Al Ahly over goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/egypt-football-coach-hossam-hassan-faces-backlash-over-mohamed-el-shenawy-comments

### 2026-09-20: Egypt national team selects Mostafa Shobeir as starting goalkeeper

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has named Mostafa Shobeir as starting goalkeeper for the Angola qualifier. Hamdi Fathi will miss the camp due to injury, joining Trezeguet and Yasser Ibrahim on the sidelines.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/egypt-national-team-selects-mostafa-shobeir-as-starting-goalkeeper

### 2026-09-20: Mohamed El Shenawy considers international retirement

Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy is reportedly considering international retirement amid injury concerns and reported tensions with national team manager Hossam Hassan.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mohamed-el-shenawy-considers-international-retirement

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Cite as: Egypt national team faces internal crisis after Angola draw. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/egypt-national-football-team-goalkeeper-situation