Ehab Galal’s lifelong friend and assistant Hamad Ibrahim discussed how his short stint with the Egyptian national team deeply affected the late manager.
Ehab Galal, the former manager of the Egyptian national team, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 57 after a battle with illness.
Ehab Galal’s health had been in decline after suffering a stroke on September 1, 2024, which led to his hospitalization.
Despite medical efforts, his condition deteriorated, culminating in his passing on Wednesday afternoon, marking the end of a distinguished career in Egyptian football, both as a player and a coach.
Hamad Ibrahim, who assisted Ehab Galal for the majority of his coaching career at El-Makkasa, ENPPI, Zamalek, Pyramids FC, and most recently Ismaily, spoke of Galal’s recent health struggles, saying: “He first had a stroke, which then progressed into three strokes.
“Things stabilized after surgical intervention, but unfortunately, his condition has since deteriorated.
“The way he was dismissed from the national team really affected him. Ehab Galal dedicated himself to becoming the best coach in Egypt, traveling extensively to earn his coaching credentials.
“To be sacked from the national team after just one and a half months in the role was deeply disrespectful.
“He didn’t want to return to Egypt after his dismissal from the national team. We finally convinced him to come back after spending two months in the United States. He’s someone who is deeply committed to his work and his colleagues.”
Hamad concluded by sharing his last conversation with the deceased manager, saying, “He called me a day before his health took a turn for the worse and asked me to take care of myself, my children, and my grandson.”