EGYPT v MALI | Match Preview | Africa Cup of Nations 2017 | #CAN2017
TUE, 17 JAN 2017AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS – GROUP D
TIME: 21:00 Cairo Local Time
Venue: Stade de Port-Gentil
Egypt expects a tough challenge against Mali in the opening game of the African Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
The Egyptian team will be eyeing a winning start against Mali before meeting Uganda and Ghana in their Group D campaign.
Egypt have been champions a record seven times with the 1959, 1986 and 2006 successes coming as hosts. The other titles were won in Sudan (1957), Burklna Faso (1998), Ghana (2008) and Angola (2010).
Here is some of Egypt’s record breaking numbers
3 times in a row African Champions
19 Games in a row with no Defeat (Until Now) in the African Cup
Most wins in The African Cup (51 WINS)
Most Goals scored 154 Goals in The African Cup
Team News | EGYPT
Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary will become the oldest player to compete at the African Nations Cup finals if he plays against Mali.
“We are fully concentrated on our strategy not on the opponent. Height and strength of Mali’s players will make the game very physical,” Cuper said in a press conference Monday night.
On Sunday, Cuper said that his side is well prepared to deal with the height of Mali’s players, but he still believes that beating the Eagles won’t be an easy mission.
“Until now I see that all teams are at the same level. There is no doubt that Mali match will be a difficult one just like any other game in the competition,” the coach explained.
“I will choose the players convenient with such game,” the 61-year old tactician added.
Cuper revealed to unveil his lineup and just said that keeper Sherif Ekramy has been ruled out with an injury.
“We will be playing a match every three days so I won’t be depending only on 11 players. All the players will get some time,” the coach concluded.
Team News | MALI
Mali are monitoring the fitness of Monaco midfielder Adama Traore, who has not trained because of a knee problem.
Coach Alain Giresse led the team to the 2012 semi-finals, when Gabon co-hosted.
“For us this was just about getting back to work after our somewhat interminable journey to get here, although we are not the only ones in that boat.
“It can always be a little tricky adapting when you arrive at a major tournament.” Mali coach Alain Giresse told the press on Monday
He will be hoping to at least repeat the achievement but preparations have been hampered by a disrupted journey from the team’s pre-tournament base in Morocco.
Mali came closest to glory in 1972 when they lost the final 3-2 against Congo-Brazzaville after conceding three goals within seven minutes during the second half in Yaounde.
Venue
The Stade de Port-Gentil is a new stadium in Port-Gentil, Gabon. This 20,000 capacity stadium will host group D in the African Cup of Nations.
The countries have met only once before in the tournament with Mali shocking Egypt 1-0 in a 1994 quarter-final through a Soumaila Traore goal.
The Pharaohs of Egypt are ranked third in Africa and 35th in the world while the Eagles of Mali are 13th in the African listings and 64th in the world.
VIDEO | Egypt’s last game v Ghana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdWF5TvpcPA
