Egypt shines in Africa, while team superstar Zidan regrets tantrum

By Khalil Hareb in Amman
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-01-23

[KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images] Egypt (red) advanced to CAN quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Benin.

Egypt, the winner of the African Cup of Nations in 2006 and 2008, looks like a favourite to win their third final in a row.

The Pharaohs started really well, beating Nigeria 3-1, then Mozambique 2-0, and on Wednesday (January 20th) they defeated Benin 2-0 to lead Group C and qualify for the quarterfinals. Coach Hassan Shehata says that the team is ready to take on anyone in the quarterfinals, according to Koora.com.

Egypt and Algeria are the two Arab representatives. Tunisia fans are devastated because their national side failed to qualify, gaining only three points from three draws, the last of which occurred Thursday (January 21st) against Cameroon. The two Arab world representatives face tough matches in the quarterfinals. Algeria faces the Elephants of Côte d'Ivoire on January 24, and the Pharaohs match up against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on January 25th.

Meanwhile, Egypt superstar Mohamed Zidan has apologised to players and management for bad behaviour in the Egypt-Mozambique match. Zidan was unhappy and kicked the bench after he was replaced on January 17th. The Egypt and Hamburg Striker insisted he only did so because he did not give his best effort. Shehata reportedly demanded an apology and would have booted the offender from the squad if he did not apologise, team manager Samer Adly told the German news agency DPA.

Fans focused on the Pharaohs' fate also got good news from Amr Zaki. The former Wigan Athletic star has signed a loan deal with Hull City until the end of the season. Zaki helped nail down the agreement by extending his deal with his current team, Zamalek.

The international forward did a remarkable job with Wigan, netting 10 goals for the team last season. Problems reportedly erupted, however, between the star and Wigan manager Steve Bruce. Zaki missed the African Cup of Nations because of an injury but apparently still impressed the Tigers with his fitness before the signing. Hull manager Phil Brown hopes to see his side return to winning ways with the Egyptian star's help.

In other sports news, the Dubai International Basketball Championship 2010 began its quarterfinals round on Thursday (January 21st). Lebanon's Riyadi is set to appear in the semifinals after thumping the other Lebanese team, Champville, 77-67.

In other matches, the Philippines' Smart Gilas sent El Gezira home after a tight 81-78 contest. Jordan's Zain is also packing up to go home after losing to Iran's Mohram 70-66. Syrian powerhouse Jalaa made it to the semifinals by beating the home team UAE National 115-77.

The four semi-finalists came back on Friday (January 22nd) to fight for a place in the final. Mohram beat Jalaa in a close contest, 95-93. The Iranians will face Riyadi who won a hard battle against Smart Gilas 79-76. The two finalists have only one night to rest, and will play for the championship on Saturday (January 23rd).

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