As a player, El-Gohary had a short-lived career. A persistent knee injury forced him into early retirement in 1961 cut short a career full of promise. In the 1959 African Cup of Nations, which Egypt won, he ended as the top scorer in the competition. After his retirement from the game, El-Gohary became a coach with Al Ahly, eventually becoming an assistant manager from 1965 to 1977.