With a former African national team boss having recently died of a stroke, his ex-assistant coach has suggested that his sacking from the side after just three matches in charge was a huge turning point, for the worse, in the late manager's life.
On 11 September, it was confirmed that former Egypt head coach Ehab Galal had sadly passed away following a brain stroke at the age of 57, as per Ahram Online.
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Further reports in Egypt suggest that Galal's health had be in decline after he suffered a stroke on 1 September, which required him to be hospitalised.
Despite best efforts to stabilise his health, the former tactician's condition got worse, regrettably resulting in his death last week.
His former assistant, Hamad Ibrahim, has now revealed that Galal was deeply affected by losing his job as Egypt national team coach two years ago.
Galal had been appointed by the Pharaohs in April 2022, but after just three matches during the June 2022 international break, he was surprisingly sacked from the role, having overseen one win against Guinea as well as defeats against South Korea and Ethiopia.
Ibrahim has spoken of his former superior's health struggles, revealing that the late coach was deeply hurt by the national team's decision to relieve him of his duties.
"He first had a stroke, which then progressed into three strokes," Ibrahim said, according to KingFut.
"Things stabilised 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, travelling 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."
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Ibrahim assisted Galal for the majority of his coaching career, during stints at El-Makkasa, ENPPI, Zamalek, Pyramids FC, and at his most recent job, Ismaily.