ACTUALITE |
10.02.2006
The Great Day
Egypt faces Côte d`Ivoire this evening in the final of the 25th African Cup of Nations.
Curtains drop on the 25th African Cup of Nations today when host, Egypt, takes on 2006 World Cup finalist, Côte d`Ivoire, in an epic cup final. This will be the second time the teams are meeting in the tournament. Egypt beat Côte d`Ivoire, 3 — 1, in their last group match to top group A. Since then however, a lot has changed. Côte d`Ivoire came up stronger in the quarter finals, knocking out top favourites, Cameroon after penalties.
Today`s final at the 76,000 capacity Cairo International stadium is expected to be presided at by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mohamed Hosny Mubarak, in the presence of several world and African dignitaries. Everything has been done to ensure a hitch-free final with special measures taken to reinforce security.
Most Egyptians are expecting nothing but victory today. "Our land, our cup", is the slogan of the day. And they have every reason to nurture this dream. Egypt has not yet lost a match in the tournament. The Pharaohs, who are seeking their fifth cup title, also have the strongest attack - 12 goals in five matches. But the pharaohs will be playing without one of their key attackers, Mido, who was suspended from the Egyptian squad after a row with the team coach.
Those lucky to have tickets for the game are already preparing to be active supporters rather than passive spectators. There would be cheers, jeers and a lot of singing at the stadium this evening. Gadgets in the Egyptian national colours, such as e flags and caps, are in high demand. Pleasure spots have already put their machinery for celebration into motion.
Côte d`Ivoire, would be seeking for their second continental title. The Elephants, will above all be out to prove that they are a worthy World Cup representative for Africa. Doubts over the potentials of Henri Michel`s squad were put to rest when the Elephants of Côte d`Ivoire ousted highly-rated Cameroon from the tournament.
Today`s encounter marks the end of 21 days of football fiesta in the land of the Pharaohs. 16 teams have been on stage of show just what stuff African football is made off. The qualities of the game in most to the 31 matches already played reveal that African football is gradually coming of age. There have been burst of spectacular performances. Strikers have been in excellent form with Cameroon`s Eto`o Fils demonstrating why he is considered as the best in Africa. Despite leaving the tournament at the quarter finals, Eto`o still tops the goal scoring chart with five goals. Cote d`Ivoire`s Didier Drogba, Nigeria`s Obafemi Martins, Senegal`s Diouf, Egypt`s Hossam, etc, also played great roles in their teams. Some 72 goals were already score after the first 30 matches.
At 6:00pm today, Egyptians who are receiving the Nation Cup for the 4th time will stand like one man behind their team. And everyone knows that it takes something special to beat the Pharaohs on home soil. Two of their four African titles (1959 edition and the 1986 edition) were won in front of their fans. Football however remains a game with the doors of victory open to both teams on stage.
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Hits: 1 | Source:cameroon-tribune.cm | |
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