CAIRO: Egypt have sacked head coach Javier Aguirre after the African Nations Cup hosts were surprisingly beaten 1-0 by South Africa in front of 75,000 of their own fans in the second round.

The Pharaohs were the pre-tournament favourites but lost 1-0 in Cairo after Thembinkosi Lorch’s 85th minute winner.

Hany Abo Rida, a member of the FIFA Council, also offered his resignation of president of the Egypt Football Association though whether he will step aside is not certain.

Mexican Aguirre, 60, was appointed on a four-year contract in August 2018, succeeding Hector Cuper, who left after their World Cup exit.

He said: “I am responsible. I think the game was open and there were chances for both teams. The only difference was the goal for South Africa.”

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