Queiroz’s contract automatically ran out after Egypt lost to Senegal 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate draw on Tuesday, missing out on a place in the international tournament.

“The coach has his negative points, but he also has positive ones that will help in developing Egyptian football,” Mashhour told ON Time Sports TV channel early on Tuesday.   

“There will be a meeting next Sunday to take the final decision regarding Queiroz’s future,” he added.

Directly after losing to Senegal, Queiroz sent an apparent goodbye message to Egyptian fans via twitter saying: “The dream is over. We tried our best, but that was not enough today. From the bottom of my heart, I extend my gratitude to the EFA for this honour of coaching the national team.”

“To all my players and staff, you have my recognition and humble thanks. You will always be in my heart. It was my privilege to work with and assisted by such dedicated and capable professionals and wonderful friends,” the coach added at the time.

On Sunday, the EFA announced that Queiroz has been given some time off until world governing body FIFA hears the team's appeal over their World Cup qualifying loss to Senegal.

The latest World Cup qualifying defeat by Senegal was marred by some crowd troubles, with bottles thrown onto the pitch, obscenities hurled at the players and green laser pointers targeting team star Mohamed Salah and his teammates during the shootout.

Queiroz was named as Egypt’s coach in September last year, succeeding Hossam El-Badry following the Pharaohs’ stuttering start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Under the guidance of the Portuguese tactician, Egypt reached the African Nations Cup final in February despite being written off by many, before losing to Senegal in another penalties defeat.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)