Egypt coach, Javier Aguirre became the first casualty of the Africa Cup of Nations, as he was sacked just hours after the hosts were bundled out of the tournament by South Africa in the round of 16.
Hosts Egypt lost 1-0 to an 85th minute goal from Thembinkosi Lorch on Saturday at the end of a lacklustre display in which their talisman, Mohammed Salah looked out of sorts and they produced few goal-scoring chances.
Egypt Football Association president, Hany Abo Rida announced the firing of the Mexican coach, and his own resignation, less than three hours after the game as a stunned host nation digested the defeat.
Abo Rida also called on his board members to step down, calling his resignation a “moral obligation, although the football association had given the national team full material and moral support“.
Aguirre told reporters after Saturday’s defeat that he took sole responsibility, but was proud of all of his players. “The game was open and saw many chances. The only difference was that South Africa managed to score,” he said.