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African Cup of Nations: Egypt confident of retaining crown
Fri. February 08, 2008 07:43 am.- By Bonny Apunyu. -
(SomaliNet) Champions Egypt are confident of defending their African Cup of Nations crown against Cameroon in Sunday's final, according to assistant coach Shawky Gharib.
Egypt beat Cameroon 4-2 in their first-round group match and earned a second meeting with the Indomitable Lions by stunning Ivory Coast 4-1 in the semi-finals.
Gharib said his side would repeat their effort in 2006 when they met Ivory Coast in both the group stage and final, although on that occasion they drew both games and won the final on penalties.
"Now we will win the final," said Gharib. "It's the same as in 2006, when we played Ivory Coast in the final and we were also in the same group.
"This time Egypt and Cameroon were in the same group.
"Egypt and Cameroon have played more matches than I can remember. Cameroon have good players and some famous players and we respect them.
"But I want to take the cup back to Egypt - it's a chance for us to make history."
Gharib said Ahmed Fathi's opening goal was a crucial blow to Ivory Coast.
"When you score first, you have more chances to open up their defence," he said. "We played with our minds."
Ivory Coast star striker Didier Drogba said that the better side on the night won through and had special praise for goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari, who denied him on three occasions with the score at 1-0.
"They deserved to win," he said. "I think they have a fantastic goalkeeper. I wish them luck."
Elephants coach Gerard Gili added his own admiration for Al Hadari.
"The goalkeeper was the best player on the pitch. The score was not a reflection of what we did. My players have done their best.
"Egypt took their chances and were very efficient."-Eurosport
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