EFA chairman Samir Zaher rejected reports saying that Egypt manager Hassan Shehata might be sacked before the African Cup of Nations. "These are false reports," Zaher told FilGoal.com on Tuesday. "All the members of the coaching staff are remaining till at least the end of their contract in February. "It would be the first time in Egypt's history that the coach stays for two successive African Cups." Egypt struggled on their way to the tournament, despite being drawn with minnows Botswana, Burundi and Mauritania. The African Champions needed a 78th-minute goal in the last qualifier to secure their place in Ghana 2008.
Zaher Egypt also failed to win a single away game during the qualifiers and media reports suggested that veteran manager and EFA sports director Mahmoud Al-Gohari could be Shehata's replacement. Although Zaher admitted the Pharaohs are not in their best shape, he gave Shehata a vote of confidence. "There are several reasons behind this slump but I would only speak about it with the manager," Zaher said. "Al-Gohari won't be in charge of any national team and he will continue his work as sports director." Egypt play Japan in an international friendly on Wednesday, their first preparation game on the road to Ghana. The African Cup will be staged from January 20th to February 10th.
