Hossam Hassan's era starts tonight

The opening game of the Egypt Capital Cup will witness the beginning of a new era for the Egyptian national team, with the Pharaohs hosting New Zealand in Hossam Hassan's first game in charge. 

Hossam Hassan, Egypt's all-time goalscorer, was appointed as the new manager after the departure of the Portuguese coach, Rui Vitória, following the Pharaohs' early exit from the last AFCON. 

"We were keen to participate in the Egypt Capital Cup. It is a very important competition for us. It is our first meeting with the players as the new coaching staff and the last test ahead of the World Cup qualifiers." Hossam Hassan, the new manager of the Pharaohs, stated. 

The game will also mark the first international match to be played at the newly-added football cathedral to the nation's sports infrastructur, Egypt Stadium, located in the New Administrative Capital. 

The stadium hosts the opening match and the final of the Egypt Capital Cup, which is organized by Sports United with the participation of Egypt, New Zealand, Croatia and Tunisia. 

Croatia and Tunisia will meet on Saturday night at Cairo Stadium and the winner will face the winner of the opening game in the final of the complete next Tuesday.