Egypt sack boss Javier Aguirre just hours after shock Afcon exit to South Africa which left Salah in tears

EGYPT have sacked boss Javier Aguirre just hours after their shock Afcon exit at the hands of South Africa - which left Mohamed Salah in tears.

The Mexican manager, 60, still had three years to run on his contract having been appointed in August 2018.

Egypt Football Association president Hany Abo Rida has also quit, saying it was his "moral obligation"; to do so following the dreadful result.

Aguirre's side were dumped out of the competition 1-0 by South Africa in front of a 75,000-strong crowd, thanks to an 85th-minute winner from Thembinkosi Lorch.

Following the surprise defeat, Aguirre admitted he was to blame, claiming: "Of course I am responsible.

"I think the game was open and there were chances for both teams. The only difference was the goal for South Africa."

SAL DESTROYING

The South Africans only squeezed through qualification to the competition after draws with Libya and Seychelles and were widely expected to be brushed aside in the capital.

They only made it to the last-16 thanks to clinching final best third-placed team spot.

The Pharaohs, on the other hand, waltzed through their group with a perfect record.

With two goals in the group stages, Liverpool star Salah wasn't able to provide the telling blow despite his side dominating proceedings.

Mahmoud Trezeguet spurned their best chance as they continued to press late on - but were caught out on the counter as a result.

A slick passing move through the open Egyptian defence fell to Orlando Pirates forward Lorch and his calm finish knocked the seven-time winners out.

The final whistle signalled the end of a dream for the 2017 runners-up.

Salah collapsed in tears, surrounded by glum team-mates, as fans were left pondering how their hopes had been dashed - especially so prematurely.