Egypt Football Association (EFA) president Samir Zaher revealed that national team coach Hassan Shehata will keep his post, whether or not he guides the country to the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

“Shehata will continue to lead the national team until the end of his deal with the association if he qualifies for the African Cup of Nations or not,” Samir Zaher told a television program on Saturday, the day Egypt’s youth team qualified for its World Cup.

“Shehata’s contract with the EFA expires in 2014 so he has the right to lead the team until the end of his deal,” he added.  

Despite demands to offload Shehata from his post, Zaher believes there is no reason to sack Egypt’s national team coach. He gave Shehata a vote of confidence during an urgent meeting last month.

The 63-year old coach's position has come under scrutiny since the Pharaohs hopes of reaching the 2012 African Cup of Nations were dealt a blow by a stunning 1-0 defeat in South Africa last March.

Egypt lies at the bottom of its qualifying group with a solitary point from a possible nine, six points behind Bafana Bafana on top.

On the other hand, the EFA president is proud of Egypt’s youth national team qualifying to the World Cup by defeating South Africa 1-0.

“Booking a place in the World Cup is a great achievement for people in Egypt after the revolution,” Zaher added.