The Egyptian national team bid farewell to the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Ivory Coast after a disappointing defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo, losing 8-7 in a penalty shootout.
The Pharaohs exit the tournament without securing a single victory, marking a stark contrast to their illustrious history in the prestigious event.
Reactions from Egyptian football stars poured in after the national team’s disheartening departure from the cherished tournament.
Ibrahim Hassan: A Blunt Attack on Hany Abo Rida and Vitoria
Ibrahim Hassan, former star of both Al Ahly and Zamalek, launched a scathing attack on Hany Abo Rida, a board member of the Egyptian Football Association, and the overall supervisor of the Egyptian national team.
Hassan stated on MBC Masr, “Hany Abo Rida, who hired Vitoria, would never spend such amounts if it were coming from his own pocket.”
He continued, “Vitoria, even if he worked at the biggest club in Portugal, wouldn’t earn the same amount he receives with the Egyptian national team.”
Hassan criticized the decision to appoint Vitoria, highlighting the coach’s lack of experience in managing national teams and his unfamiliarity with the competitive nature of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Hassan emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Hany Abo Rida must be held accountable for signing Vitoria and approving his financial demands.
We won’t accept resignation; there must be consequences for the person responsible for hiring Vitoria.”
He further revealed a surprising contractual detail, “After 15 days from the end of the Africa Cup of Nations, if Egypt doesn’t win, Vitoria will receive a three-month penalty clause upon contract termination.
If it goes beyond 15 days, he will get the full contract amount.”
Farouk Jafaar: Vitoria’s Departure is Inevitable
Farouk Jafaar, commenting on ON Time Sport after the match, asserted, “Rui Vitoria must leave the Egyptian national team.
He has not added any value to the team in the Africa Cup of Nations final, and the results of the current tournament are fundamentally disappointing.”
Jafaar continued, “If the Football Association refuses Vitoria’s departure, they should leave themselves during this period.
The team possesses exceptional elements in all positions, but the clear issue is Rui Vitoria, the team’s coach.”
Hassan Shehata: Discontent with Managerial Decisions
Hassan Shehata expressed his discontent, stating on MBC, “I don’t know what to say.
We bring in coaches, and in the end, they turn out not to be the ones we hoped for.”
He underlined, “We sign with anyone and agree to anyone.
The responsibility lies with the Football Association and the supervisor of the national team, who choose the coaches.”
Wael Gomaa: Call for Leadership Change
Wael Gomaa, a former national team player, pointed out, “There must be a president of the Football Association worthy of the football system in Egypt, someone with a clear vision.”
He continued, “The Football Association appointed a coach who earns $200,000, equivalent to 13 million Egyptian pounds monthly, for this performance?!
I hold someone like Mohamed Shawky or Sayed Mawad responsible, and they will deliver better results, given their knowledge of African football, or Mahmoud Fathallah, who played for the Egyptian national team.”
He concluded, “In the end, the Football Association must leave, and people with a vision and good management of football affairs in Egypt must come in.”
Ismail Youssef: Vitoria’s Failed Performance
Ismail Youssef, former Zamalek star, expressed his sorrow after the loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo, stating, “A disappointing performance by Vitoria in the four matches of the tournament.
He has important elements that he couldn’t utilize well.”
He added, “The administrative performance does not befit the name of the great Egyptian national team.
Vitoria lost his personality away from the situation Mohamed Salah faced, leaving the camp and going to Liverpool due to injury.”
Reda Abdel Aal: A Blame on Hany Abo Rida
Reda Abdel Aal, a former star of both Al Ahly and Zamalek, targeted Hany Abo Rida, saying in an interview on “Al Premio” on TEN TV, “In my opinion, Hany Abo Rida, the supervisor of the Egyptian national team, is responsible for what happened to the team in the Africa Cup of Nations.”
He continued, “Why did Hany Abo Rida choose Rui Vitoria?!
He is the first and last person responsible for me, the choice was in his hands, not Gamal Allam, the president of the Egyptian Football Association, or Ihab El-Komy, a board member.
It was solely Hany Abo Rida… then he is responsible.”
The reactions from these esteemed football figures shed light on the frustration and disappointment within the Egyptian football community after the national team’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The consensus is clear: accountability is essential, and changes at the leadership level are being called for to ensure a brighter future for Egyptian football.
