Shikabala: Mohamed El Shenawy deserved a place in Egypt’s national team

Former Zamalek captain Mahmoud Abdel Razek Shikabala said Mohamed El Shenawy, Al Ahly and Egypt goalkeeper, deserved to be included in the national team squad at this time, saying his omission was not the right decision given his experience and leadership role.

Speaking on Ibrahim Fayek’s “Football with Fayek” programme, Shikabala said El Shenawy was one of the national team’s leaders and had valuable experience in the dressing room. He added that the goalkeeper was calm and did not cause problems, and that they had a good relationship off the pitch.

Shikabala noted that the rivalry between Al Ahly and Zamalek remained on the pitch and should not affect players’ personal relationships. He also said El Shenawy deserved recognition for what he had done with Al Ahly and Egypt, and that his experience and leadership qualities made him valuable in any group.

The comments come amid changes in the national team, following Ali Maher’s appointment as head coach and the start of preparations for the November camp, which includes two matches against Malawi in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.