Since their arrival in Kumasi, they have been training with the aim of keeping the cup.
After embarrassing the local organizing committee by refusing to stay in the hotel provided by the local organising committee, the Egyptian National team the “Pharaohs”, have continued making headline news in Kumasi. Not only do they chase away media men, but have persistently refused to make public their training programme as is expected from all teams. At the Golden Tulip Hotel where they are lodged along side Zambia, officials and supporters have only one watchword: “Take the Cup back to Egypt”.
Before this is done, they have to start by confronting Cameroon today in the opening encounter of group C. If one was to go by history, Egypt could well be described as the dean of African football. At club level, Egyptian clubs like Zamalek, Al Ahly and Arab Contractors have dominated continental club competitions. At the national team level the Pharaohs are the national side that has won the trophy five times and participated in the highest number of African Nations Cup competition.
However, book makers say their victories have not been very spectacular except that of 2006, which now puts them ahead of many other great African football nations. Ghana 2008 therefore will be their 21st appearance at the final phase. If they make it to the finals, it will their seventh final. For it to happen, they have relied on mostly home-based and experienced players in building their team for the Ghanaian expedition.
Though they may not have within their ranks star players on whom they can count when it comes to personal action, their fighting spirit is a major force for them. At the goalkeeping position, their goalkeepers are often among the best in Africa. Their defenders, a bunch of tall and skilful young men capable of creating a lot of problems to most attackers. The midfield is usually the main driving force of the team as it is where the team usually starts constructing play. During today’s encounter, the Egyptian captain Ahmed Hassan, one of the few men in the squad to have won the title twice, will be a force to reckon with. At the attack, the absence of Mido does not give way for any doubt. Head coach Shehata has made assurances double sure by selecting only the best goal poachers. To deliver the goals Emad Motaeb and Amri Zaki are expected to be on duty. However, knowing very well that they did refuse Cameroon from participating at the last World Cup, they will need a lot of stamina.
Eldickson AGBORTOGO
