Egypt sack Rui Vitoria as head coach a week after last-16 Afcon 2023 exit

Egypt have sacked Portuguese manager Rui Vitoria following their disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Ivory Coast.

The Pharaohs exited the tournament at the last-16 stage after an 8-7 penalty shootout defeat against DR Congo in San Pedro.

Egypt had struggled in the tournament, failing to win a game.

They were also hampered by an early injury to talismanic captain captain Mohamed Salah.

Egypt were held to three successive 2-2 group-stage draws – against Mozambique, Ghana and Cape Verde – before their loss to DR Congo.

In a statement on Sunday, the Egypt Football Association (EFA) said 53-year-old Victoria and his entire backroom staff had been dismissed, external following a meeting of their board of directors.

Mohamed Youssef, a former Al Ahly coach, has been appointed as Egypt’s interim manager although the EFA say they “will also study the CVs of [some] foreign coaches.”

Former Benfica and Spartak Moscow manager Vitoria was appointed as Egypt head coach in 2022, succeeding Ehab Galal. He signed a four-year deal which would have taken him through to the 2026 World Cup.