File Photo: Egypt’s home-based national team coach Helmi Toulan. Photo courtesy of EFA.
On 21 May, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced the appointment of veteran tactician Toulan as head coach of the country’s home-based national team. This came amid preparations for the Arab Cup, which is scheduled to occur in Qatar from 1 to 18 December.
The senior team, the Pharaohs, will play simultaneously at the African Cup of Nations, which will kick off on 25 December in Morocco.
“Talking about choosing certain names is just nonsense. The technical staff didn’t discuss such things especially as preparations are still at an early stage,” the 75-year-old coach and team’s spokesman said, according to the EFA’s official Facebook page.
“It is too early to name any candidates as all clubs are currently in the off-season, and so players’ assessments will begin once the 2025-2026 domestic league gets underway,” he added.
Toulan also pointed out that his technical staff had already agreed with the EFA officials regarding players’ selections that the senior national team under coach Hossam Hassan would be prioritized.
“The senior national team will first choose their squad, and then we will announce our squad for the Arab Cup during the preparation period ahead of the tournament's kick-off,” Toulan explained.
“The door is open to all players to represent Egyptian football,” he concluded.
Egypt have been drawn in one group alongside Jordan, UAE at the coming Arab Cup, and the winner between Kuwait and Mauritania.
Egypt last participated in the Arab Cup in 2021, finishing fourth under Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz.
Toulan was selected for the mission because he is one of the most experienced figures in Egyptian football, having managed Cairo giants Zamalek multiple times.
He has also coached several Egyptian Premier League clubs, including Enppi, Harras El-Hodoud, Ittihad of Alexandria, NBE Club, Ceramica Cleopatra, and Smouha.
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