Egypt to confirm leadership of "Group C"

By Richard Avornyotse

Accra, Jan. 29, GNA - The Pharaohs of Egypt would on Wednesday confirm their leadership of "Group C" which would enable them to remain at the Kumasi venue for their quarter final match. Having already qualified from the group, after the second round of matches, all the Egyptians need now is to either draw or win to conclude the group stage undefeated.

The Egyptians are capable of doing just that, going by their performance in the two previous matches.

With two decisive victories over four time champions, Cameroon and fierce fighting Sudanese neighbours, the Egyptians will remain the bookmakers' favourites as they confront the Chipolopolo of Zambia. The Zambians started well with a 3-0 drubbing of Sudan, but skidded off the victory path rather miserably, picking the ball five times from their net against Cameroon, while Felix Katongo gave them a belated consolation.

Having scored seven goals in two matches, there could be no question mark about the attacking prowess of the Pharaohs, whose front men, Mohammed Zidan and Hosni Rabou are living up to their billing.

Mohammed Abouterika, who runs the show from the midfield, has a penchant for goals and does not in anyway disappoint even when 50-50 chances surface.

And with Esam El Hadary rated as one of the best pair of hands in Africa, it would be fair enough to say the Zambians would be homebound at the end of proceedings in Kumasi. The other battle of the group would be fought at the Tamale Sports Stadium where the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon determine their fate in a match against Sudan.

The form guide favours the Cameroonians and no clairvoyant would dare predict an upset, bearing in mind the importance of the match to the Cameroonians. With Samuel Eto'o gelling in his attacking position and getting a lot of complementary support from Joseph Desiree Job, who has scored two goals, one short of Eto's tally, Cameroon have the men to win against hapless Sudan, who are yet to score a single goal in the tournament. It looks like the Cameroonians joining the Egyptians into the quarterfinals. 29 Jan. 08