Africa

What: African Cup of Nations Final
Who: Egypt vs Ghana
When: Sunday, 31st January, 2010, 16:00 GMT
Where: Estadio 11 de Novembro, Luanda

Magical Pharoahs on course for third consecutive trophy

The most common question people would ask about Egypt is how did they fail to qualify for the World Cup? Their matches so far have proven the Pharoahs are as efficient and clinical as they have been in the two previous tournaments. The 4-0 demolition of Algeria will have soothed many Egyptian hearts that are still smarting from the World Cup playoff loss. It is remarkable how Egypt have shaken off the terrible hangover after that ill fated game against the Algerians in Sudan. Many fans became disillusioned and were demanding coach Hassan Shehata be sacked.

Shehata and his playing staff responded spectacularly, they have obliterated all opposition in Angola so far, indeed the Egyptians are the only side with a 100% record in the competition. After every win they seem even hungrier and determined. There are very few negatives about the approach of the Egyptians, their defence and midfield is solid and they attack with devastating speed and efficiency as the semi-final game proved. With 14 goals scored, a miserly two conceded and playing the best football so far, the North Africans are overwhelming favourites for a third straight Nations Cup win.

Ghana’s young hotshots hoping to end 28 year barren spell

Ghana have beaten the odds and made the final despite playing without at least four of their key and most experienced players. The absence of any ’superstar’ presence has impacted positively as the mostly inexperienced squad members have banded together and played their hearts out. Without any standout star, the Black Stars have displayed grand courage and resolve in beating teams like the host nation and Nigeria.

Ghana have scored a single goal in each one of their games leading up to this stage, they only conceded against the Ivory Coast in their tournament opener which they lost 3-1. Coach Milovan Rajevac is well aware of his team’s strengths and weaknesses and has accordingly built a compact unit with a tight defence and pacy attack. Rajevac’s boys, in all their games, have allowed the opposition to bring the play to them, patiently soaked up pressure and attacked on the break. It will be curious to see how this works against the experienced Egyptians, regardless of what happens in the final however, the young shots from Ghana have had a successful tournament.


Recent form

Egypt:
Egypt 4-0 Algeria
Egypt 3-1 Cameroon
Egypt 2-0 Benin
Egypt 2-0 Mozambique
Egypt 3-1 Nigeria

Ghana:
Ghana 1-0 Nigeria
Angola 0-1 Ghana
Ghana 1-0 Burkina Faso
Ivory Coast 3-1 Ghana


Key absences

Egypt: Mahmoud Fathallah (suspension)

Ghana: Michael Essien (knee)


Players to watch

Egypt: Ahmed Hassan – The evergreen 34-year-old has had a wonderful tournament. Hassan has led his team-mates by example and been instrumental in all the games he has featured in. At this rate he might play into his very late 30s.

Mohamed Zidan – Zidan scored his first goal in Angola with a classy effort against Algeria. He will be itching to add to his tally in the final. Mohammed Nady ‘Geddo’- Geddo has had a wonderful tournament. He leads the goalscoring chart despite being a regular substitute. Geddo has come of the bench to net four times for the Pharaohs. He will be keen to end his tournament in style

Ghana: Asamoah Gyan – Gyan has scored three of Ghana’s four in the competition. Pacy and skillful, the Ligue 1 striker has a strong aerial presence too. He will no doubt run at the Egyptian defence all day long.


Match prediction

The experience and cohesion of the Egyptians means they seem very capable of overcoming the young guns of Ghana, however this is the final and the Ghanaians will be all heart and dedication. Egypt look more than likely to win their seventh Nations Cup trophy though with a narrow and hard fought win. Egypt 2-1 Ghana.


Remember: If you fancy a bet on the African Nations Cup’s exciting final, you can find and compare the best prices at tip-ex.com!

 Latest Features:

• - Santos can Help Robinho Banish European Blues
• - Man Utd Big Time Beckoning for Special Smalling
• - Premier League: Arsenal v Man Utd Match Preview