Egypt Sacks Coach Rui Vitoria After 2023 AFCON Exit

Egypt has dismissed Rui Vitoria as its national team head coach following the team’s disappointing exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) expressed their gratitude towards Vitoria and his staff in a statement, while also stating that they are currently evaluating the profiles of foreign coaches.

In the meantime, former al-Ahly coach Mohamed Youssef will temporarily take charge of the national team. Egypt’s elimination in the last 16, through a dramatic penalty shoot-out against the Democratic Republic of Congo, was a major disappointment for the team.

The Egyptians had high hopes of winning their eighth Africa Cup of Nations title, especially after their last triumph in 2010. However, they were already facing challenges with the absence of star player Mohamed Salah due to a hamstring injury.

Additionally, the team’s lacklustre performance in the group stage, which resulted in three draws, was heavily criticized by local pundits.

The EFA had last week “apologised” to Egyptian fans for “not achieving their ambitions”.

Vitoria, who served as the Pharoahs’ coach for less than two years, is one of several AFCON coaches who are set to depart.

The tournament has proven to be a triumph for the underdogs of the continent, while the powerhouses have faced disappointment.

All five of the highest-ranked African nations were eliminated before the quarter-finals, along with the four semi-finalists from the previous edition.