Javier Aguirre fired as Egypt manager after shock Africa Cup of Nations exit

Backlash begins after home nation crashes out of tournament following loss to South Africa in the last 16

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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 Mohamed Salah looked out of sorts and they produced few goalscoring 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.

Aguirre, 60, 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.

Egypt's coach Javier Aguirre speaks to his players during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Round of 16 football match between Egypt and South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium in the Egyptian Capital on July 6, 2019.  / AFP / OZAN KOSE
Javier Aguierre's reign as Egypt manager is over. AFP