CAIRO, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Hany Abou Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), announced on Sunday his resignation from the presidency of the football agency.

He resigned after Egypt's shock elimination from its 1-0 defeat against South Africa at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Abou Rida also called on the members of the EFA to resign, an appeal that was welcomed by many EFA members.

Abou Rida said he took the decision "although the EFA did what was required from it to do for the national team and provided the team with full financial and technical support," according to official MENA news agency.

However, he said he will act as the head of AFCON organizing committee until the end of the tournament.

Javier Aguirre, the Mexican manager of the Egyptian football team, was also sacked hours after the defeat.

"I'm responsible for Egypt's exit," Aguirre told a press conference after the match.

The elimination marked Egypt's worst-ever performance as hosts.

Despite winning all three matches during group stages, the performance of the team was far from convincing.