Egypt was scheduled to take on Burkina Faso Wednesday 1 February in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations currently taking place in Gabon. The other semi-final between Cameroun and Ghana will be held Thursday 2 February. A win against Burkina Faso would take Egypt to the final of the 31st edition of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, while a loss means the Pharaohs would have to play-off for the third and fourth place on Saturday. Al-Ahram Weekly will come out before Egypt's game against Burkina Faso. Regardless of the outcome, Egypt's performance thus far in the tournament has been making waves. Egypt is the record holder of this championship, with seven titles, including three in a row starting in 2006. But it failed to qualify for the following three editions. Its re-emergence on the scene is making headlines. The Egyptians are now the talk of the tournament among the African football family, fans, media and officials. The Egyptian return to the continent's most prestigious football tournament has made a huge impression, especially after Egypt beat tough opponents Morocco 1-0 to join the last four teams. Egypt's opponent Burkina Faso had made it to the semi-finals after beating Tunisia 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Egypt beat Morocco thanks to substitute Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim, better known as Kahraba. His goal came with just two minutes to go. It was Abdullah Said whose corner kick went through the box and found the 24-year-old Kahraba who netted the ball from close range to give Egypt its most precious win thus far. Had the game remained tied, it would have gone to extra time and maybe even decisive penalty kicks. Al-Hadari It was only normal that Kahraba was named MVP of the match. “I'm glad we won and qualified of course and I am more than happy it was me who scored. “I didn't think about it. It was so crowded in the box. I just saw the ball and kicked it so hard and couldn't believe it went in. But now I am so happy and looking forward to continue winning,” Kahraba said after receiving his award. Egypt's Argentine head coach Hector Cuper was thrilled with the victory and later thanked his players at the post match press conference. “It was a tough game and we knew we were playing against a strong team. I congratulate the Moroccan team for their performance. They are an excellent team and I am impressed with all the work done by their coach Renard with the team to reach such a high level. I believe this team has a good future for Moroccan football. “I believe the whole 94 minutes we played were very difficult. Both teams wanted to win and did their best to reach that. It was clear that the one who would snatch the goal would be the winner and I am glad it was us. We had many chances and so did the Moroccan team, but they never turned them into goals and in football results are what matters. “Now, we are looking ahead to the semi-finals against Burkina Faso. We have only 48 hours to prepare for that game; one day to travel and another to train. Then play the match. Our players are really exhausted and we have three major injuries now. We have to deal with it and see if they can recover soon in order to play. If not, we will try to find solutions,” the 61-year-old said. Moroccan head coach Herve Renard congratulated the Egyptians for their performance and victory. “Congratulations to Egypt and their coach. They are a very strong team and it was hard to beat them. They have returned after a long absence and what a return it is. I am satisfied with my team's performance. All my players did their best and were so professional and I am so proud of them. “We got some chances but we didn't score and this is football. My only regret is for the Moroccan people and my players and I wish Egypt good luck. Egypt is back. “It is too difficult to say now who of the last four teams is the favourite to win the cup. I respect all four teams that have reached the semi-finals and wish them the best of luck,” Renard said. Cameroun had another impressive outing against Cote d'Ivoire in the quarter-finals as they made it through on penalty kicks after a scoreless draw that went into extra time. Ghana, who played in the same group stage with Egypt, managed to beat DR Congo 2-1 to book its place in the semi-finals. The Frenchman also praised two Egyptian players: goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari and defender Ahmed Fathi. “Al-Hadari is amazing at this age. He is still fit and very strong. He has won four titles with Egypt. And also Fathi is one of the best defenders in Africa who has also won three African titles. Any coach would be proud to have them both on his team.” The 44-year-old Al-Hadari, the oldest player ever in the tournament, is now leading the Pharaohs in their campaign for an eighth title as the team captain. It would also be his fifth ACN crown. “I don't care about setting new records for myself at this stage. I only care about setting records for my country first. My personal records will come eventually,” Al-Hadari told the Weekly. Al-Hadari has not allowed a goal in the four games he has played. Before the game with Burkina Faso, he was 20 minutes away from making it 10 hours without conceding a goal. Egypt's semi-final clash against Burkina Faso brings back memories of the 1998 edition held in Burkina Faso. Then, the unseeded Pharaohs silenced the crowds of the host nation as they beat the home team 2-0, then went on in the final to beat South Africa 2-0. “I believe the same scenario is taking place here. I hope history will repeat itself,” said Hazem Al-Hawari, head of the Egypt delegation at Gabon 2017. Al-Hawari was also the head of delegation back then in 1998. “Surprisingly, it is happening again and just like we were not favourites then, I believe we were not favourites now when we first arrived for the competition. We did not promise the cup. We just said we would do our best, display good performances and take it from there. Now, after making it to the semi-finals, the players are more ambitious to win the title for the eighth time. They have the will and determination to do it and let's hope for the best,” Al-Hawari told the Weekly. The play off for third and fourth place will feature the losers of the semi-final matches and is scheduled for 4 February in the city of Port-Gentil. The winners will play the final on Sunday 5 February in the capital Libreville.
