Egypt coach Hassan Shehata declined to attend the post-match press conference after the Pharaohs were held to a goalless draw by South Africa, a result that shattered their African Cup of Nations hope.

The seven-time African champions are highly unlikely to play in next year’s Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon after failing to break down South Africa to remain at the bottom of Group G in the qualifiers with just two points from four games.

Shehata, who looked furious following the final whistle, opted against speaking to the media following the disappointing result.

The post-match news conference was consequently cancelled.

Widespread reports suggest that Shehata, the architect of Egypt’s unprecedented continental success during the past five years, would be sacked in the next few hours.

The 61-year-old took over at the national team in late 2004 and helped them win three consecutive Nations Cup titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

However, they failed to end their World Cup jinx, having last played in the sport’s most popular showpiece in 1990.