This should be a very intense affair between the bitter rivals and both national teams will have something to prove. Algeria aim to show everyone they deserve to be among the best teams in Africa, whereas the Pharaohs want to get revenge on Fennecs for the defeat that cost them the place at the World Cup in South Africa.
Video of Egyptian minister asking the Media to Chill out before the game.
[mediaplayer src=’http://www.deyaa3.mediakora.com/Tv-Prog/10_Evening/26.1/Media_MediaKora.CoM_Deyaa.wmv’ thumb=’http://i46.tinypic.com/ta2fkj.jpg’ ]Algeria surprised the Ivorians
Algeria had a very slow start to the competition having succumbed to the shock defeat to Mozambique in the opening game but Rabah Saadane’s men just kept improving and they are now in a position to fight for the place in the final. The Fennecs played a very good game against Ivory Coast, having twice come from behind to earn the invaluable victory after extra time. The Algerians scored no less than three goals against a very good Ivory Coast side and they are certainly hoping to continue the good run against their bitter rivals Egypt. However, due to the importance of the game, neither side will be pushing forward too hard and we should see a very tight game, especially in the first period.
Rabah Saadane was finally able to field his strongest line-up against the Elephants after Meghni and Yahia had recovered from injuries and we don’t expect to see any changes to the starting line-up. Abdelkader Ghezal will again operate as a lone striker but he will have a big help from Meghni, Matmour and Ziani.
Egypt out to get revenge
If we take into account the performances they have shown in Angola so far, Egypt have got to be considered main candidates for the trophy. The Pharaohs are definitely not the best team at this tournament but their style of football produces the best results, which is all that matters in the end. Rock-solid defence and tight midfield allow the team to launch swift counterattacks that have helped them score a lot of goals at this tournament. Hassan Shehata will deploy the same approach against Algeria and we expect it to pay off once again.
Egyptians are very motivated to get revenge on the Algerians for the aforementioned defeat in the World Cup qualifiers, although this team play every game as if it is the World Cup final. Hassan Shahata should stick to the same side that beat Cameroon 3:1 after extra time, although excellent midfielder Gedo is pushing for the starting place.
Our Prediction
Egypt have shown the most of all teams so far and they are definitely the favourites in this match. The Pharaohs have an extra motive in this game and we don’t think Algerians can match them in terms of quality, motivation and team spirit. Therefore, we expect Egypt to progress to the final.
This will be a mental match: Egypt 1-0 Algeria
Here is all the goals Egypt scored so far:
Enjoy- NileSports
