In the wake of Egypt’s dismal performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Egyptian Football Association took decisive action by parting ways with head coach Rui Vitória and his backroom staff.
The decision came after the Pharaohs, seven-time Africa Cup champions, failed to secure a single victory in the tournament’s 34th edition, ultimately succumbing to Congo in a heartbreaking penalty shootout during the round of 16.
Expressing gratitude for their services, the association appointed former Egypt and Al Ahly defender Mohamed Youssef as interim coach until a foreign technical director is selected.
Among the potential candidates is French coach Herve Renard, who, reports suggest, has agreed to take the helm once his contract with the France women’s team concludes.
Vitória, who took charge in 2022 on a four-year deal, struggled to harness the team’s potential.
Plagued by injuries, including the loss of star player Mohamed Salah and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, Egypt’s luck took a bizarre turn when the federation resorted to sacrificing a cow for a change in fortune.
However, fate remained unkind as Congo advanced in the tournament, ultimately reaching the semifinals.
The coaching upheaval is not unique to Egypt, as the Africa Cup has witnessed a cascade of changes.
Coaches from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Gambia, Senegal, and Tunisia have faced dismissals, resignations, hospitalizations, and contractual terminations, highlighting the tumultuous nature of this year’s competition.
Amidst the chaos, Djamel Belmadi’s status as Algeria’s coach remains uncertain, adding another layer of intrigue to the evolving coaching landscape in African football.
