AFCON 2015 QUALIFIERS – EGYPT OUT AGAIN, SHAWKY GHARIB SACKED AFTER ANOTHER FAILURE
Egypt’s AFCON heartbreak continues. The Pharaohs, seven-time African champions, have failed to qualify for a third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations, this time for the 2015 edition in Equatorial Guinea. And the consequences have been swift and severe — coach Shawky Gharib has been dismissed from his post.
❌ Egypt Fall at the Final Hurdle
Entering the final day of qualifiers, Egypt’s fate was still in their hands. A two-goal victory over Tunisia would have seen them clinch a spot as the best third-placed team. But the Carthage Eagles were not in a charitable mood. Instead, Tunisia triumphed 2-1, sending Egypt out of the tournament and sealing Gharib’s fate.
📰 Egyptian FA Reacts Swiftly
According to reports from the Egyptian press, Wednesday’s match was Gharib’s last as head coach. The Egyptian Football Association acted immediately after the final whistle, terminating his contract and announcing that a foreign coach will soon be appointed to lead the national team.
⚠️ Egypt’s AFCON Absence: A Growing Crisis
This marks Egypt’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the continental championship after missing CAN 2012 and CAN 2013. For a nation that won three straight titles (2006, 2008, 2010), this continued absence signals a prolonged crisis in Egyptian football.
📉 Group G Final Standings
Tunisia – 14 pts ✅
Senegal – 13 pts ✅
Egypt – 6 pts ❌
Botswana – 1 pt ❌
The Pharaohs will now watch AFCON 2015 from the sidelines, and with a new coach to be appointed, a rebuild is clearly underway. But for a once-dominant team, the road back to continental glory looks longer than ever.
