This archive report was first published on 7 July 2019.
On July 6, 2019, Egypt's disappointing exit from the Africa Cup of Nations led to a major shake-up in the team's management. Just hours after the hosts were bundled out of the tournament by South Africa in the round of 16, coach Javier Aguirre became the first casualty.
Hosts Egypt lost 1-0 to an 85th-minute goal from Thembinkosi Lorch, with talisman Mohamed Salah looking out of sorts and the team producing few goalscoring chances. The defeat marked a stunning end to the tournament for the host nation.
Following the game, Egypt Football Association president Hany Abo Rida announced the firing of the Mexican coach, along with his own resignation. He cited a 'moral obligation' to step down, despite the football association having given the national team full material and moral support.
Aguirre, 60, took sole responsibility for the team's performance but expressed pride in all of his players. 'The game was open and saw many chances. The only difference was that South Africa managed to score,' he said.
Aguirre departs after less than a year in the job, but not before setting a unique record by coaching at four different continental championships. He won the Concacaf Gold Cup with his native Mexico in 2009, took them to the final of the Copa America, and was in charge of Japan four years ago when they went out in the Asian Cup quarter-finals.
