No image available
/ 15 February 2008

The riddle of the sphinx

First things first: the best team won. Many, including myself, dismissed Egypt’s chances of defending their crown because of a ropey qualifying campaign and because they lost a number of important players from their 2006 squad. But the Pharaohs showed that their domestic league continues to cultivate quality footballers.

No image available
/ 11 February 2008

Zidan revels in right decision

In 2006, Mohamed Zidan chose club over country and missed out on Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations win in Cairo. Fast forward two years to Accra on Sunday and the Hamburg striker was right in the thick of the Pharoahs’ successful title defence. Zidan set up Mohamed Aboutraika for the decisive 77th-minute goal in the 1-0 victory over Cameroon.

No image available
/ 10 February 2008

Egypt win record sixth African crown

Egypt retained their Africa Cup of Nations crown on Sunday when Mohamed Aboutraika lifted the champions to a 1-0 win over Cameroon and a record sixth title. The defending champions ensured they held on to the trophy when, after a slick passing movement, Aboutraika struck in the 77th minute. ”We are delighted to win. It’s a great achievement,” said the al-Ahly star.

No image available
/ 22 January 2008

Goals rain on Africa Cup

The goals continued to flow at the Africa Cup of Nations with nine more on Tuesday taking the tally to 20 and a promise of more attacking play to come on Wednesday. Mohamed Zidan scored two spectacular goals in the first half on Tuesday to lead defending champion Egypt to a 4-2 win over shaky Cameroon.

No image available
/ 6 September 2007

Egypt lead list of Nations contenders

Holders Egypt head the list of heavyweight contenders seeking to confirm their qualification for next year’s African Nations Cup finals this weekend. A win in Burundi on Sunday would ensure Egypt finish top of their group and join the seven teams already through to the 16-team finals being hosted by Ghana in January.