Egypt Misses Out on AFCON 2015, Coach Shawky Gharib Dismissed
Egypt’s hopes of a last-minute qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations ended in disappointment, as the seven-time African champions failed to secure a place in the tournament. Their 2-1 defeat to Tunisia on the final day of the qualifiers proved costly — not only for the team’s ambitions but also for head coach Shawky Gharib.
The Pharaohs went into Wednesday’s crucial encounter knowing a two-goal victory in Monastir would be enough to seal their spot in Equatorial Guinea as the best third-placed team. But the Carthage Eagles, already qualified, took the game seriously and dashed Egypt’s hopes with a composed and effective display.
The result marked a third consecutive AFCON absence for Egypt, following missed qualifications in 2012 and 2013. It is a stark contrast to their dominance of the competition in the previous decade, when they lifted the trophy three times in a row (2006, 2008, 2010).
The fallout was swift. According to Egyptian media reports, Gharib was relieved of his duties shortly after the final whistle. The Egyptian Football Association is expected to appoint a foreign replacement in the coming weeks, although no official name has yet been put forward.
Gharib, who had been appointed in 2013 following Bob Bradley’s departure, was tasked with reviving Egypt’s international fortunes. But under his leadership, the team struggled to find consistency, and their failure to qualify for AFCON 2015 proved the final straw for the EFA.
The match against Tunisia encapsulated many of Egypt’s recent woes: a lack of cutting edge in attack, defensive frailties, and a failure to rise to the occasion. Despite showing early promise in the qualifiers, the Pharaohs were ultimately outclassed by group rivals Senegal and Tunisia.
The latest setback raises serious questions about the direction of Egyptian football, a nation once considered the dominant force on the continent. The EFA’s decision to seek foreign expertise reflects a desire for fresh ideas and a change in fortunes.
For Egyptian fans, missing a third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations is a bitter pill to swallow. Once perennial contenders, the national team now faces a long road back to reclaim its former glory.
As Egypt turns the page on another failed campaign, the spotlight shifts to who will be trusted to lead the revival — and whether the new coach can restore belief in a team that once ruled African football.
Let me know if you’d like a follow-up piece on Egypt’s potential coaching options or historical AFCON performance analysis.
