Carlos Queiroz could continue to take charge of Egypt, despite leaving his post following the nation’s World Cup qualifier defeat to Senegal.
The former Manchester United assistant manager announced that the game would be his last in charge. He spent just six months in the post. In that time, he guided Egypt to the Africa Cup of Nations final. They lost to Senegal on penalties.
The same result occurred on Tuesday when Egypt lost their two-legged World Cup qualifier tie to Senegal. A penalty shootout was required after a 1-1 stalemate across the two legs. Queiroz’s side missed three penalties, including one from Liverpool‘s Mohamed Salah.
However, there was controversy surrounding the result. Salah had green lasers shone in his face before he took the penalty. He subsequently blazed his spot-kick over the bar.
It was also revealed that the same fate befell Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. He also had lasers shone in his face whilst attempting to save Senegal penalties.
But they were not the only incidents that angered Egypt players and management. Senegal fans invaded the pitch at the end of the game, and some threw missiles at the opposing players. Salah was struck on the head and neck and had to be shielded by officials as he walked back to the dressing room.
Read more: Scary footage shows Mohamed Salah being hit by missiles after Egypt loss
In addition, Egypt have claimed that Salah and other players were the subjects of racial abuse, and that the Egypt team bus was attacked with rocks.
Egypt table series of accusations against Senegal
In the wake of the defeat, the head of the Egypt Football Association, Jamal Allam, has filed a complaint against the Senegalese Federation. The complaint will also involve the FIFA Congress.
Allam put forward a series of allegations about what happened to Egypt players, officials and fans during the defeat.
He stated (quotes via Youm7): “Mohamed Salah had the most share of the Senegalese fans’ attack on him, which tried to intimidate the players as well. We asked that the board of directors be on the bench of the match under what happened here, but they refused.
“The fans were supposed to be present on one side of the two sides, behind a goal from both sides, but insisted on placing the Egyptian fans among the Senegalese fans. This is contrary.
“There was insult in the amplifier in the stadium. It was not a motivator for the fans, but there were abuses and insults, as there was interference with the republican peace of the Egypt team, and this is forbidden and prohibited.”
Why Carlos Queiroz could coach Egypt’s next game
In his statement, Allam also confirmed that Egypt have requested that the game be replayed. This is due to the number of serious incidents they allege took place.
Currently, Carlos Queiroz is officially still in charge of Egypt, even though he stepped down following the defeat to Senegal. That is because, according to reports, his contract runs until the end of the World Cup. However, Allam hinted that the Portuguese coach could return if the game was to be replayed.
He said: “He is a respected coach. There is no direction for something specific at the moment.
“If it is decided to replay the Senegal match, there will be no room to talk about Queiroz’s position until the match ends, and we will resolve his position if the match is not repeated.”
The National News reported that Queiroz’s contract contained a clause stating his deal would be terminated if Egypt failed to reach the World Cup. In addition, Portuguese outlet A Bola claim that the Egypt FA still wants him to coach the national side.
Read: 2022 World Cup draw: Date, time, how to watch, teams qualified
In a strange twist, Carlos Queiroz could take charge of Egypt once more – and possibly beyond then if the game against Senegal is replayed and they win to progress to Qatar 2022. Watch this space.
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