Egypt Face Acid Test

Egypt v Cote d'Ivoire
28 January 2006, 19h00
Cairo Stadium

Egypt face their sternest test to date at the MTN Africa Cup of Nations finals when they take on Cote d’Ivoire in their final Group A game in front of a sell-out crowd at the Cairo International stadium.

Tickets are already trading on the black market for three times their value as an eager nation wait in anticipation for their side to progress to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

But the Ivorians says they are determined to win the match to ensure a 100 percent record and take the top place in the group – thereby in all likelihood avoiding a possible meeting with Cameroon in the last eight.
 

Henri Michel said on Thursday the side wanted to win the game to keep up their winning form for confidence and also for the fans who had travelled to the support the side.

But Egypt’s chances of getting the valuable point they need will be enhanced by the possibility that Didier Drogba, Marc Zoro and Didier Zokora might sit the game out because of minor ailments.

The Pharaohs’ coach Hassan Shehata continues to complain about the weight of pressure on his side as expectation grows on the team.

He continues to attract media criticism despite Egypt picking up four points from their opening two games with a 3-0 win over Libya in the first game and then a tough draw with a competent Moroccan side in their second match.

Shehata continues to warn against excessive pressure on his side but with MTN Africa Cup of Nations fever growing that is now growing rather than receding and the coach is fighting a losing battle.

Egyptians have suddenly woken up to the possibilities of their team after a pessimistic air pervaded the build up to the tournament.

Defeat for Egypt would still allow Morocco a chance to go through but they would need to beat Libya handsomely in the other Group A match at Cairo’s Military stadium.