CAIRO: Last week, the Egyptian Football Association was confident it had found their manager in Portugal's Nelo Vingada. Now, less than one week after the supposed “formalities” were underway to announce the new chief, Vingada has elected instead to take over China's national squad, leaving Egypt without a manager. “We are close to assigning an Egyptian staffer to be in charge of the national team, after Vingada's refusal,” EFA official spokesman Azmy Megahed said on the association's website on Sunday. Instead of inking an agreement with Egypt, Vingada signed with the China Football Association for a reported 80,000 Euros. It is the second time Vingada has forced Egyptian football to wait for his return to the country after coaching Cairo-based Zamalek to its last league title in 2004 and then taking on the Olympic team for a disappointing run. hen in 2009, he was hired to take over giants al-Ahly, but resigned before reaching the sidelines due to personal reasons. He has also headed Saudi Arabia and Jordan's national squads. Former manager Hassan Shehata was fired after the three-time reigning African champions failed to qualify for the 2012 African Cup of Nations following a goalless draw at home to South Africa in June. He was recently reported to have taken over as manager of Zamalek. BM
