The ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) generated the first set of managerial casualties as Egypt and Uganda sack their coaches.
Tournament host Egypt sacked head coach Javier Aguirre after the Saturday night round of 16 after their shock elimination.
While many anticipated the host to go all the way, on Saturday Aguirre’s Egypt was shocked as they lost 1-0 in Cairo to South Africa.
The defeat is the first time since 2004 that the Pharaohs had failed to reach the quarter-finals.
Subsequently, Hany Abou-Rida, President of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), also announced his resignation and confirmed that the entire technical and administrative team had left.
After their group stage exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Egypt hired Mexican boss Aguirre to replace Hector Cuper last year.
“I am the one responsible [for Egypt’s exit],” Aguirre said at the post-match news conference.
“I’m responsible for all the selections and the end results, but I’m still proud of this group of players.”
Aguirre, who in his lengthy tenure as a coach managed the likes of Mexico, Japan and Atletico Madrid, initially received a four-year contract.
Also, after the Cranes returned from the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Uganda confirmed coach Sebastien Desabre’s exit on mutual agreement.
The East African side put up a courageous struggle to fall to Senegal by a lone goal and exit the 16 round contest.
However, the French coach has terminated his deal with the side in a speech by the Uganda Football Association Federation (FUFA).
The statement released by FUFA reads, “On the 6th of July 2019, both Fufa and National Team Head coach of the Uganda Cranes Desabre Sebastien Serge Louis mutually agreed to terminate the contract between the two parties.
“The reasons for the termination of the employment contract are for the benefit and growth of both parties.
“Fufa recognises the contribution by Sebastien Desabre for the improvement of the sporting and professional organisation of the Uganda Cranes inclusive of qualification to the Afcon 2019 finals and also to the Round of 16.”
FUFA also said a new coach will soon be appointed.