After the outstanding victory over Cameroon in the opening game of the 2008 CAN Group C on Tuesday, it has become very plausible that defending champions Egypt have a fair shot at the African title. However, it is important to take the tournament one step at a time and assume prematurely that the Pharaohs can reign again. Although the Cameroonians might have been the potential threat in Group C, both Sudan and Zambia could pose a more dangerous threat because not only do they know that they will be facing a very strong opponent in Egypt, but also because they have nothing to lose. It might have been Egypt's advantage that they took on Cameroon in the first round, for a number of reasons. The first reason is that Egypt's players took the pitch with the mentality that the Lions will be their strongest opponents. Second, the fact that Cameroon did not have a strong build up to the CAN 2008 might have come in very handy. Third, Cameroon's performance will definitely improve as they play more games together. Fourth, Cameroon coach Otto Pfister did not know what to expect from the Egyptians and their coach Hassan Shehata, who capitalized on all of the Lions' weaknesses in the backline.
Now that Sudan and Zambia saw a preview of what is awaiting them, they will be more prepared for Egypt. But now that Sudan and Zambia saw a preview of what is awaiting them, they will be more prepared for Egypt. Sudan lost their opening game to Zambia 3-0, and only a win in the anticipated 'Nile derby' can heal the pride of the Dessert Hawks, which means that the Sudanese team cannot be underestimated. One factor to keep in mind when facing Sudan would be that the national team consists of players from Kharoum powerhouses, Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh. These two clubs have managed to embarrass their Egyptian counterparts: Ahli, Zamalek and Ismaili on more than one occasion this past year. And since Egypt's squad is primarily consisted of players from the three listed teams, it can be expected that the Sudanese opponents will be more aware of the qualities of their neighbors to the north than they were of the less familiar Zambian team. Nevertheless, the Egyptian team remains superior, both tactically and experience wise. This means that coach Shehata should make use of veterans like captain Ahmed Hassan, defender Ibrahim Saied and playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika who can all bring some stability to the Pharaohs squad with their pace, commitment and talent. A win against Sudan will book Egypt's place in the second round, and virtually guarantee them top spot in their Group C. It will be up to Shehata to capitalize on the good start, form and spirit that Egypt's players have shown so far in the first 90 minutes of the tournament because all eyes will be on the African champions from now on.
