This archive report was first published on 7 July 2019.
On July 6, 2019, Egypt's national football team suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the round of 16 of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, marking their first failure to reach the quarter-finals in 15 years.
Thembinkosi Lorch scored the solitary goal that dumped Egypt out of the tournament, leading to the departure of head coach Javier Aguirre.
Following the team's elimination, Egyptian Football Association (EFA) president Hany Abou-Rida announced his resignation, and the entire technical and administrative staff were also let go.
At a post-match news conference, Aguirre took responsibility for the team's setback, stating, "I am the one responsible [for Egypt's exit]." He also expressed pride in the group of players he worked with, saying, "I'm responsible for all the selections and the end results, but I'm still proud of this group of players."
Aguirre was appointed Egypt head coach following the team's group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
