"Pharaohs" Coach Targets Brighton Talent

Egyptian national team head coach Hossam Hassan is closely monitoring the performances of young attacking midfielder Youssef Ibrahim, who plays for English club Brighton, according to a source close to the “Pharaohs” told AFP. The 18-year-old, born in Australia, has drawn attention after being promoted to Brighton’s first team this season, and made his official debut against Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris in the UEFA Conference League, where he provided an assist in a 4-0 victory on Thursday.

Ibrahim is eligible to represent four different national teams—Egypt, Morocco, England, and Australia—due to his parents’ nationalities and his place of birth. This has prompted the Egyptian Football Association, through its Professionals Committee, to expedite contact with the player.

“The source revealed that Youssef Ibrahim is on Hossam Hassan’s radar for next November’s training camp, and he may indeed be called up. We are waiting for the Football Association to complete the required legal procedures, and we hope to replicate the success story of Hesham Hassan.”

Hesham Hassan, who holds Egyptian, Tunisian, and French citizenship, joined the senior Egyptian national team last March before featuring for the “Pharaohs” at the World Cup, where he delivered outstanding performances.

On another note, the source confirmed that Hossam Hassan is open to adding any player to the national team’s upcoming camp. Egypt will play two matches against Malawi in Cairo and Lilongwe on November 11 and 15, as part of the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which will be hosted in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.