Photo courtesy of Omar Fayed's Instagram account
Fayed voiced his frustration in a post on his personal Instagram account, following the announcement of Egypt’s squad by head coach Hossam Hassan. The defender said he fully supports the national team but felt overlooked despite his continued professionalism and performances.
“I fully support and encourage my country’s national team, but honestly, not being included in the squad despite my continuous effort and professionalism in the Portuguese league is something that saddens me,” Fayed wrote.
He added that while he respects all decisions made by the coaching staff, he had hoped for greater monitoring and attention. “I respect all decisions, but I hoped there would be more monitoring and attention,” he said, adding, “I will continue working, and I trust that my efforts will not go to waste.”
Fayed has made just one appearance for Egypt’s senior team, which came in the summer of 2023 under former coach Rui Vitória. The defender, currently on loan from Fenerbahçe to Arouca, has not played since January due to injury.
This season, he has featured in nine matches for the Portuguese side, including seven league appearances and two in the Portuguese Cup.
Meanwhile, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has named his squad for the upcoming friendlies, which include a first call-up for Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan. The squad also sees the return of Nice defender Mohamed Abdelmonem and the inclusion of Zamalek forward Nasser Mansi.
Captain Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of the squad due to injury.
Egypt will face Saudi Arabia on 27 March in Jeddah before travelling to Spain to play against the national team at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium on 31 March, as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Egypt have been drawn in Group G at the tournament alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: