Rogerio Micale departs as Egypt U-20 head coach

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has announced the departure of Rogerio Micale as head coach of the U-20 national team.

The Brazilian coach leaves his position after helping guide the Young Pharaohs to qualification for the upcoming TotalEnergies U20 AFCON.

The EFA announced the decision on Tuesday after reaching a mutual agreement to terminate the contract.

"The Egyptian Football Association, headed by Engineer Hani Abu Rida, has announced reaching an agreement with the Brazilian coach Roger Micale, the technical director of the youth team, to terminate his contract," a statement by the EFA read.

Micale, who guided the Egyptian U23 national team to the semi-finals of the 2024 Olympic Games, expressed gratitude for his time in charge and reflected on the achievements of the team during his tenure.

“It has been an honor to serve as coach of the Olympic team,” Micale said. 

“Reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 Olympic Games was a proud moment, and starting the qualification journey for the next TotalEnergies U20 AFCON was a significant milestone.”

Micale highlighted the progress made during his time with the team, emphasizing the development of young talent that has benefited both the national team and domestic clubs.

“I leave a legacy of many young players who have grown tremendously and are now key figures for their clubs and the senior national team,” he added.

The EFA also recognized Micale’s contributions, noting his positive impact on the team’s growth and his role in setting the foundation for the future.

Under his guidance, the U-20 team showcased resilience and determination, achieving notable success on the continental stage.

Looking ahead, Micale expressed optimism for the future of Egyptian football and extended his gratitude to those who supported him during his time with the team.

“I must thank the players, staff, and the Egyptian people for their unwavering support,” he said.

“It has been a privilege to work with such talented individuals, and I wish the team every success in their upcoming challenges.”

The EFA is expected to announce a new technical team for the U-20 squad in the coming weeks as they prepare for the next phase of their development.

Micale’s departure marks the end of a chapter that laid a strong foundation for the continued growth of youth football in Egypt.