Trouble in Egypt as football chief quits after shock AFCON exit

ani Abou Rida resigned late on Saturday and “Sacked” his technical staff [Courtesy]

In most resignation cases, people resign leaving the others to make the decision on whether or not to follow suit.

But this one is quite different as the Egyptian Football Association President called it quits on Saturday after Egypt’s shock elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.

According to Supersport, Hani Abou Rida resigned late on Saturday and “Sacked” his technical staff.

In a statement made by the Egyptian FA, the decision was out of “a moral obligation after disappointing Egypt supporters”.

The statement went further to say the federation invited all board members to follow Rida’s Example.

Saturday night’s clash saw underdogs South Africa stun star-studded Pharaohs who were among favourites to lift the coveted continental trophy.

Rida had been at the helm of the Federation for three years since joining in 2016 and got himself in a storm in 2018 after the national team exited the World Cup in Russia without a win in the group stage.

Apart from the AFCON troubles, the Federation is also involved in a spat with their star player Mohamed Salah who has accused them of misusing his image in Egypt.

The federation has also received much criticism after their decision to reinstate a player who had been banned for ‘sexual harassment’.

The national team coach Javier Aguirre has also received criticism for poor leadership with Egyptian legend Wael Gomaa accusing him of “lacking tactics and strategy”.

However, Aguirre himself took the blame for the disastrous loss and suggested talks with the country’s football management over his future as coach.

"No decision until this moment. I spoke to the players in the dressing room, and tomorrow (Sunday) will speak with EFA officials.

"I think the game was open and there were chances for both teams. The only difference was the goal for South Africa," Said remorseful Aguirre after the match.

What makes the situation worse for Egypt is the fact that they are the hosts and lost the battle against a South African side that limped to the knockout stages as one of the best third-place finishers.

Bafana-Bafana struck in the 85th minute through Thembinkosi Lorch to break the hearts of Egyptians who had high hopes for their team.

Egypt now follows fellow North Africans Morocco who went out in the hands of underdogs Benin after a Hakim Ziyech penalty miss which was followed by a shootout loss.