1-Egyptians under ‘no pressure' Once again, Egyptian players vindicate the perplexing fact that when things are not going well, they can beat anyone. When head coach Rabie Yassin irately said before the finals that he could be heading to Algeria with a squad of 12 players, the outburst seemed a blessing in disguise for many. Examples of Egyptian success under tough conditions are numerous and this triumph is no different, given that those youngsters know no one would blame them if they failed. After seeing their names in the headlines for the first time, it is crucial that this group of decent youngsters do not wince under the pressure of ‘being champions' when they head to Turkey for this summer's World Cup. 2-ENPPI's three gems Saleh Gomaa, Mahmoud Abdul-Monem ‘Kahraba' and Ahmed Refaat are three ENPPI players who enjoyed a terrific campaign in Algeria. Teenager Gomaa, who is already a senior Egypt international, proved his credentials as a midfield wonderkid after being named Player of the Tournament. Kahraba, which means electric in Arabic, was undoubtedly Egypt's MVP having scored three goals and set up two of the team's seven goals in the finals. Another ENPPI starlet to impress was winger Refaat; a good dribbler that will most probably be linked with a bigger club before the World Cup finals this summer. 3-Egypt's next ‘High Dam' As Essam Al-Hadari's days seem to be coming to an end, the question of who will be the next Egypt ‘High Dam' has been usually raised. Ahmed Al-Shennawi has been tipped to succeed Egypt's legendary guardian between the posts but the AYC produced yet another goalkeeping ace in Mossad Awad.
Awad is a goalie for the future Deservedly named best goalkeeper, Ismaili's 20-year-old goalie played a vital role in his nation's victory in Algeria. Awad is still under an amateur contract at Ismaili but he will surely be signing his first professional deal this summer, either with the Dervishes or at a bigger club. 4-Who is Jakobsen? A question that was raised just before the AYC finals and has yet to be answered... It is still unclear why did Yassin name Alexander Jakobsen in his squad for the tournament after the youngster had failed to make a single appearance in Algeria. When asked why the player, who was tipped to shine at the AYC, is not featuring, Yassin's reply midway through the competition was plain and simple... “Alexander is not impressing me in training," said the Egypt coach. Now as the PSV starlet haven't been able to show his ‘Ronaldinho skills', his future as an Egypt international remains in the balance given that he can still represent Denmark. 5-Egypt need a number 9 As Egypt have been missing the goalscoring prowess of Emad Meteb and Amr Zaki during the past three years, the search for a bona fide striker has been a major concern. Ahmed Hassan ‘Koka' is quite a promising talent, but going through other names of strikers in Egypt, it seems that the Rio Ave frontman is the only one of note in that position. Egypt have been heavily relying on the efforts of attacking midfielders like Gomaa, Kahraba and Refaat in the final third as the physical presence of an 18-yard-box finisher was hardly seen. The shortage of number 9s in Egypt can also be felt in the first team, with none of Mohamed Salah, Mohamed Ibrahim or Geddo fitting into the role.
