By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ehab Galal has been named as the new coach of Egypt, replacing Carlos Queiroz who left the role this week, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The 54-year-old is currently in charge of Pyramids FC in the Egyptian Premier League, who he joined at the start of the season and has led to the quarterfinals of the African Confederation Cup.
Galal will be tasked with lifting the mood of the national team after they lost on penalties to Senegal in the final of the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Last month they fell to the same opponents in the final African qualifying round for the World Cup in Qatar, also via spot-kicks.
His first assignment will be the 2023 Cup of Nations qualifiers that kick off in June. The draw for those will take place on Tuesday.
Queiroz had discussions with the Egyptian Football Association about staying on as coach, but local media reported the two parties could not agree on the length of a new contract.
Meanwhile the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) has decided against renewing the contract of coach Patrice Beaumelle after his current deal ended on 6 April, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The normalisation committee that currently runs the FIF says it will not be offering the 43-year-old the chance to extend his two-year stay in the post.
Beaumelle failed to lead the Ivorians past the second round of the recent Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon, while they did not make the final round of African qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar either.
“The committee salutes (Beaumelle’s) human qualities, commitment, professionalism, humility and discretion,” a statement on the organisation’s website said.
“While welcoming the open-mindedness of the French technician and the good collaboration with the FIF, the committee wishes him a happy continuation of his career.”
The next assignment for the Ivorians will be the start of the qualifiers for the 2023 Cup of Nations, though they have already booked their ticket at the finals as hosts.