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Egypt have appointed Javier Aguirre as their new head coach to replace Hector Cuper, who was dismissed following a poor World Cup campaign, an association member confirmed on Wednesday. Argentinian coach Cuper secured Egypt's return to the tournament for the first time in 28 years, but was axed after the Pharaohs were eliminated in the group stage following three defeats. Magdy Abdel-Ghany, a member of the Egyptian FA, confirmed Aguirre's appointment on Wednesday, and told reporters - as per Ahram Online - that the Mexican coach has been handed a four-year contract worth $120,000 per month. Aguirre is available after two years spent with Al-Wahda FC of the United Arab Emirates, having previously spent time as head coach of the Japan and Mexico national teams. He's also managed the likes of Atletico Madrid, Real Zaragoza, Espanyol and Osasuna, and made 59 appearances for Mexico during his playing career. The 59-year-old will be charged not only with qualifying Egypt for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, but also helping the Pharaohs move on from a gruelling World Cup campaign and subsequent fallout. The EFA revealed after the tournament that various Egypt players faced bans after giving unauthorised interviews to a Saudi television channel, while Mohamed Salah's relationship with the federation was dented after a dispute over image rights. Cuper's three-year spell at the helm of the national side may have ended in disappointment, but as well as securing Egypt's return to the World Cup, he also guided the Pharaohs to the final of the 2017 African Cup of Nations. Egypt have been drawn against Tunisia, Niger and Swaziland in AFCON qualification, and were defeated 1-0 by the Carthage Eagles in their opening clash.
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