By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport, Cairo

The Egyptian FA backs Saleh despite criticisms

The Egyptian media have launched a scathing attack against the national team coach, Mohsen Saleh, after the Pharaohs' 5-0 defeat to France in Paris last Wednesday.

It was the second humiliating defeat for the Egyptians within a month, as local commentators blame Saleh entirely and want to see him sacked.

They say he was incompetent and selected the wrong players for the France friendly.

Popular daily, Al Akhbar called the 5-0 defeat unacceptable, after the Pharaohs had lost 4-1 to Denmark in a friendly in Cairo in March.

But Saleh has put the blame for the France disaster squarely on his players.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Association have backed the coach despite the public outcry, and they appealed for more patience.

Saleh must now win his next African Nations Cup qualifying ties in June against Mauritius and Madagascar, respectively.

But the local press doubt whether the Pharaohs will qualify for the finals in Tunisia next year.