The EFA President Samir Zaher decided during an urgent meeting held on Thursday that there is no reason to sack Egypt’s national team coach, Hassan Shehata after his devastating last-gasp defeat by South Africa last Saturday, which weakened the Pharaohs possibilities to qualify for the African Cup of Nations 2012.

"Shehata has been given a vote of confidence. He has already achieved so much for this country and he should carry on leading the team in this qualifiers," a statement read on the EFA website.

Coach Shehata led the Pharaohs to an unprecedented treble after winning the ACN titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

The Egyptian national team won the continental title seven times as favourites all the way, so last Saturday’s defeat sparked a wave of attacks against the 61-year old tactician and his crew, especially amidst the revolutionary atmosphere that Egypt has witnessed.

Egypt lies at the bottom of Group G with a solitary point from possible nine and six points behind Bafana Bafana on top.