Afcon 2019: Egypt fire Javi Aguirre, FA boss resigns
7th July 2019
Host nation Egypt's surprise one nil defeat to South Africa has proved costly as the nation's Football Association president Hany Abou- Rida has decided to resign while head coach Javi Aguirre has been given his marching orders.
Egypt appointed Mexican boss Aguirre following their group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Former Japan and Mexico coach Aguirre signed a four-year deal to replace Hector Cuper last year.
"I am the one responsible [for Egypt's exit]," Aguirre said at the post-match news conference.
"I'm responsible for all the selections and the end results, but I'm still proud of this group of players.”
Aguirre, who has managed the likes of Mexico, Japan and Atletico Madrid in his long tenure as a coach, seemed resigned to his fate as well.
"The next step will be decided after I meet with the Egyptian FA board tomorrow," he said following the match, though the decision was apparently taken to part ways prior to any meeting on Sunday.
Having won the competition three times of the four occasions they'd hosted the finals before this year's showpiece, defeat at the hands of South Africa means Egypt won't be making it four triumphs in five on home soil.
Meanwhile Egyptian Football Association (EFA) president Hany Abou-Rida confirmed his resignation two hours after South Africa inflicted defeat on his country.
The experienced football administrator confirmed that he had resigned with his entire staff and also the whole technical team.Abou- Rida who also doubles as the chairman of the local organizing committee will however stay on till the tournament finishes on July 19th.