Pharaohs begin new era against Taifa Stars
The Pharaohs will be seeking a victorious start to a new era as they target a first Africa Cup of Nations appearance in seven years. Egypt entertains Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Alexandria-based Borg El Arab Stadium on Sunday as both sides start their Orange Africa Cup of Nations Gabon 2017 qualifying campaign.
After winning an unprecedented three successive titles between 2006 and 2010, record African champions Egypt suffered the shock of missing out on the next three editions. Since extending their record with the seventh title in 2010, the Pharaohs failed to reach the continent’s showpiece tournament in 2012 (Gabon and Equatorial Guinea), 2013 (South Africa) and 2015 (Equatorial Guinea). The period of drought is the first time since the inception of the tournament in 1957 that Egypt has failed to show up in three successivbe tournaments.
The legendary Hassan Shehata who coached the Pharaohs to their historical treble left the job after failing in the 2012 qualifications. He was succeeded by American Bob Bradley who was shown the exit door later in 2013 with Egypt yet again failing to qualify for the 2013 edition in South Africa as well as the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
His successor, Shehata’s ex assistant Shawki Gharib was missioned to guide Egypt to the 2015 AFCON but he faced a similar fate.
Now the case lies in a totally different hand. Last March, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) appointed Argentine Hector Cuper as the mentor of the Pharaohs. The 59-year old coach was twice UEFA Champions League losing finalist with Spanish side, Valencia in 2000 and 2001. He also managed Italian giants, Inter Milan; Spanish sides, Real Mallorca, Racing Sanatander and Real Betis; Parma of Italy; Georgia national team among others.
Cuper was given the mission of guiding Egypt to the 2018 FIFA World Cup; a feat that would mark the Pharaohs third appearance at the global showpiece and their first since 1990. The Argentine also has another mission which is to see Egypt back in the Africa Cup of Nations after a seven-year hiatus.
“I know the expectations are high. We have to start the campaign on a positive note”, Cuper told the media this week after Egypt defeated Malawi 2-1 in a friendly played at Borg El Arab.
“What I think of now is the match against Tanzania. I have nothing else to care about at the he moment. We have many good players, not only Mohamed Salah”, said the Argentine making special mention of the Fiorentina forward. The in-form winger missed the Malawi friendly and has yet to train with the team ahead of the Group G opener.
“I opted to rest him as we need his efforts on Sunday,” Cuper noted.
In the absence of regular captain Hossam Ghaly, the armband will be the worn by veteran Ahmed Fathy. The ex Ahly defender who currently plays for Qatari side, Umm Salal, will make his 110th appearance for the Pharaohs against the East Africans.
“It’s vital to start the qualifying campaign with a convincing victory”, Fathy told
“Tanzania is a side we have to respect well and show our full power against. In this qualifying series, only the top side goes to the final tournament. We don’t have the luxury of wasting any points, especially at home” added the 30-year old versatile defender.
Egypt definitely has the upper hand over the visiting Tanzanian side. In 10 previous meetings between both sides, the Pharaohs have won 9 and drawn one, with Tanzania yet to record a single win. And this weekend the Pharaohs are hoping for a similar and familiar story.
The game kicks off this Sunday at 19:00 local time at the Burg El Arab Stadium in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Nigeria and Chad complete Group G and will lock horns earlier on Saturday in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna.
The winners of the 13 qualifying groups in addition to best two second placed sides qualify for the Gabon 2017 finals.