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Eagles,
our only threat
– Egypt’ FA boss
…Writes off Mozambique, Benin
By CHIMAOBI UCHENDU
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Egypt recently lost out in the race for South Africa 2010
World Cup, but they have shifted their attention to Angola
2010 Africa Cup of Nations, vowing to retain the trophy they
won in Ghana two years ago.
They are, however, cautious of the Super Eagles of Nigeria,
but have set a target on how to crush other teams in their
group.
After the 2010 Nations Cup draws were made last Friday, Head
of Egyptian Football Association, Hazem Al-Hawari, seemed
to have consoled himself of the grief that befalls his nation
since their ouster from the World Cup by their neighbours,
Algeria, as he’s happy with their group for the Nations
Cup.
Al-Hawari viewed Nigeria as a toothless bulldog that has not
harnessed her potentials. He said though Eagles are potential
threats, they’re, however, not at their best in recent
times.
"We are happy to have an opportunity to defend our title
in a relaxed condition this time around," Al-Hawari began.
"However, as defending champions, we will be under pressure
to do well and I think those that picked the teams in Group
C took this into consideration.
"I can say it's an easy group. I think we will reach
the knockout stage along with Nigeria. Of course, Egypt are
better than Benin and Mozambique while Nigeria are not at
their best, but they are likely to accompany us to the next
round.
"On the whole, the groupings seem to be equitably distributed.
Of course, West Africans would realise that Group B was theirs,
especially the Ivory Coast-Ghana pairing, and that Burkina
Faso are in the same group with Ivory Coast like during the
eliminatory phase.
"Group D would be that of Cameroon and Gabon by my own
permutation, the only Central African representatives that
have met twice already in order to qualify. The two would
have a hard nut to crack with the Tunisians, who would be
coming to seek compensation after their huge disappointment
on November 14.
"The host country, Angola will certainly not be on a
safari trip with the future World Cup contender, Algeria and
Mali, who had always played well in the Africa Cup of Nations
and of course, the big unknown, Malawi," he added.
Egypt will begin their defence against the Super Eagles in
a Group C opener on January 12 in the Western Angolan province
of Benguela. Benin and Mozambique will face each other in
the other Group C encounter.
The Pharaohs, seeking to complete a hat trick of titles after
successes in 2006 and 2008, would be expected to channel all
their efforts on the biennial championship after missing out
narrowly on a ticket to the first-ever mundial on African
soil.
Having been paired in a group with two-time winners, Nigeria,
Mozambique and Benin, Egypt will be hoping to appease their
fans with a splendid performance at the biennial event, a
competition their record is unmatched.
Meanwhile, after guiding the Super Eagles to secure a ticket
to the South Africa 2010 World Cup, Coach Shaibu Amodu is
hoping to guide his side to a superb outing at the 27th edition
of the continental soccer showpiece.
For Amodu: "It's not an easy group especially with the
defending champions around. We will be going back home and
prepare feverishly for the Africa Cup of Nations in January,"
the Nigerian coach said shortly after the draws last week.
Benin failed to advance past the group phase during the last
edition in 2008, but their Football Federation President,
Anjorin Mousharafou is optimistic they can improve upon that
in Angola 2010.
"I’m happy with the draws. Our fear was being drawn
against hosts, Angola and it came to pass. We played against
them during the qualifiers and they were strong.
"To reach this level is no mean feat. Nigeria are not
very strong and Egypt are psychologically down after failing
to reach the World Cup. We can qualify for the next round
with good preparation."
For Mozambique, this is their first attempt since 1998 and
fourth overall. They have failed to advance past the group
stage on each occasion.
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