ACTUALITE |
03.10.2005
The Pharaohs Warm Up
The Egyptian national team, that is presently camping in Cairo, arrives in Cameroon on Wednesday.
Egypt, third in Group 3 with 16 points, is out of the race for the 2006 World Cup. Similarly, the Pharaohs are already qualified for the 2006 African Cup of Nations by virtue of the fact that they are hosts of the tournament and among the first three of the group. Those who are naive think that the Egyptian expedition to Yaounde is therefore a mere formality. Far from it. The Egyptians say they have everything to play for next Saturday.
The Pharaohs have made it clear that they are not coming to Yaounde for tourism. Egypt`s captain, Ahmed Hassan, warned Cameroon that they will not be given easy passage to the World Cup finals. "It does not matter whether Cameroon or Ivory Coast reach the World Cup finals," Hassan told BBC Sport. "But I know that we will play a fair game in Yaounde and the Cameroonians should not take us for granted," said the Besiktas of Turkey player. Another player, Amr Zaki, re-echoed the opinion of his captain. "We were able to beat Cameroon 3-2 here in Cairo. Another victory in Yaoundé will prove that we were just not lucky enough to reach the finals in Germany," the 22-year-old said.
Coach, Hassan Shehata, who has been criticized by members of the Egyptian Football Association for the country`s poor performance in the World Cup campaign will fight for good results. Reports hold that a less than favourable result in Yaoundé could end Shehata`s hopes of leading his country in the African Cup of Nations finals which Egypt will host next January. These threats, plus the controversial meeting between the Ivoirian coach, Henri Michel, and the National technical Director at the Egyptian Football Federation, Mohamed Al-Siyagui, should spur the Lions to work hard for next Saturday’s match.
The Egyptians, on their part, are seriously preparing for the October 8, encounter. Some 28 players; 21 home-based and 7 playing in European clubs are presently in camp. Notably absent are veteran goalkeeper, Nader El Sayed and defender, Emad El Nahas who will miss the game through suspension. The training camp at the annex stadium of Cairo International stadium, began on September 28.
The Egyptian official delegation, including 20 players, arrives in Cameroon next Wednesday. They will land at the Douala international airport and board a local Camair flight to Yaounde. The Pharaohs would train at the BEAC stadium located in the Mvan neighbourhood of Yaounde.
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Hits: 1 | Source:cameroon-tribune.cm | |
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