Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Egypt/Zambia: Pharaoh will leave no stone unturned

The Pharaoh football machine, already qualified for the quarter-final, has put in seven goals in two matches and looks primed to continue with its relentless onslaught in the last Group C tie against Zambia today at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

In the other group match, Cameroon meet whipping boys Sudan in Tamale needing a win to guarantee qualification.


Sudan, with two straight losses, are already out of contention but will do Zambia a lot of favours should they beat the Indomitable Lions and Zambia carve out a win against Egypt.

Egypt coach, Hassan Shehata, said his team was going out for a win to maintain their momentum of retaining the cup.

Rising Egyptian stars, Mohammed Zidan, was chief destroyer in his side's 4-2 dismantling of Cameroon with two wonderful strikes.

The Hamburg forward, together with Amr Zaki of Zamalek, Emad Moteab of Al Ahli and Ismali's Mohamed Fad, offer wily Egyptian coach Hassan Shehata useful options in attack. Should Zidan produce his form of the first game, the vulnerable Zambia defence that leaked in five goals against the Indomitable Lions will be facing torrid times.

Mohammed Aboutrika struck a double in Egypt's 3-0 demolition of Sudan and will lead a fluid midfield that has Middlesbrough's Mohamed Shawky and Hosni Abd Rabou of Ismaili.

Genuine contenders

Many of the players in the Egyptian side featured in the team that triumphed at home two years ago and will be having plenty of big match temperament to go against the less-experienced Zambian side.

The Chipolopolo defence completely lost its way against Cameroon and their coach Patrick Phiri is faced with Herculean task of stopping the genuine title winners.Sudan were hailed as possible dark horses of the tournament after edging out Tunisia to top their group during the qualifiers. But the Nile Crocodiles have disappointed, soaking in three goals in each of their games and failing to score. Cameroon bounced back from their shock loss to Egypt to thump Zambia 5-1.

The Indomitable Lions may have benefited from some atrocious defending by their opponents but they will have regained that element of self believe they are one of the best football nations in Africa and should pick the three points to guarantee advancement.

Samuel Eto'o has claimed three goals so far, equalling the all time top score of 14 by Cote d'Ivoire's Laurent Pokou. The Barcelona striker will surely be eyeing a new record when he steps to the field.

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