Mexico's inflation exceeds expectations in 1st half of April    Egypt's gold prices slightly down on Wednesday    Tesla to incur $350m in layoff expenses in Q2    GAFI empowers entrepreneurs, startups in collaboration with African Development Bank    Egyptian exporters advocate for two-year tax exemption    Egyptian Prime Minister follows up on efforts to increase strategic reserves of essential commodities    Italy hits Amazon with a €10m fine over anti-competitive practices    Environment Ministry, Haretna Foundation sign protocol for sustainable development    After 200 days of war, our resolve stands unyielding, akin to might of mountains: Abu Ubaida    World Bank pauses $150m funding for Tanzanian tourism project    China's '40 coal cutback falls short, threatens climate    Swiss freeze on Russian assets dwindles to $6.36b in '23    Amir Karara reflects on 'Beit Al-Rifai' success, aspires for future collaborations    Ministers of Health, Education launch 'Partnership for Healthy Cities' initiative in schools    Egyptian President and Spanish PM discuss Middle East tensions, bilateral relations in phone call    Amstone Egypt unveils groundbreaking "Hydra B5" Patrol Boat, bolstering domestic defence production    Climate change risks 70% of global workforce – ILO    Health Ministry, EADP establish cooperation protocol for African initiatives    Prime Minister Madbouly reviews cooperation with South Sudan    Ramses II statue head returns to Egypt after repatriation from Switzerland    Egypt retains top spot in CFA's MENA Research Challenge    Egyptian public, private sectors off on Apr 25 marking Sinai Liberation    EU pledges €3.5b for oceans, environment    Egypt forms supreme committee to revive historic Ahl Al-Bayt Trail    Debt swaps could unlock $100b for climate action    Acts of goodness: Transforming companies, people, communities    President Al-Sisi embarks on new term with pledge for prosperity, democratic evolution    Amal Al Ghad Magazine congratulates President Sisi on new office term    Egypt starts construction of groundwater drinking water stations in South Sudan    Egyptian, Japanese Judo communities celebrate new coach at Tokyo's Embassy in Cairo    Uppingham Cairo and Rafa Nadal Academy Unite to Elevate Sports Education in Egypt with the Introduction of the "Rafa Nadal Tennis Program"    Financial literacy becomes extremely important – EGX official    Euro area annual inflation up to 2.9% – Eurostat    BYD، Brazil's Sigma Lithium JV likely    UNESCO celebrates World Arabic Language Day    Motaz Azaiza mural in Manchester tribute to Palestinian journalists    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







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Tottenham Supporter… Again?
Ahmad Saied Published in FilGoal on 01 - 08 - 2006

Any foreigner visiting downtown Cairo during Premiership action last season could have thought he'd landed in North London by mistake.
Crowds in popular cafes (Ahwa) used to erupt in ecstasy or silenced in disappointment by Tottenham's matches, all for the sake of Ahmed Hossam 'Mido'.
Like all die-hard Arsenal fans all over the world, it was difficult to sympathize with the Gunners' traditional nemesis, but as an Egyptian I had no other option but to support Tottenham, so Egypt's most prominent striker can get a chance to feature in the UEFA Champions League next season.
And just as Egyptian interest in Tottenham started to fade after Mido's return to his original side AS Roma, and as Arsenal-in-Egypt fans prepared themselves to enjoy the rivalry again, Hossam Ghaly has forced a U-turn.
The former Ahli star put-on a string of impressive displays in Tottenham's pre-season friendlies and appeared ready to make an impressive Premiership debut.
Actually, Ghaly is no stranger at White Hart Lane.
He arrived in January from Dutch side Feyenoord but was instantly installed in the reserves team, never featured in a Carling Cup fixture and wasn't even given a jersey number!
Things got worse for Ghaly when he was shockingly dropped from Egypt's squad for the African Cup of Nations on home soil alongside one of the best Egyptian players of this generation, Mohamed Zidan.
And as people were about to dub Ghaly a failure, the former Ahli midfielder rose from the ashes and excelled. The man was a powerhouse in every position he played, especially as a holding midfielder.
With English international Michael Carrick switching to Manchester United and the unending praise coach Martin Jol heaps on Ghaly, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the 24-year-old starting beside Dutch veteran Edgar Davids next season.
This will be a better chance for Ghaly's to expand his fan base at home than playing in the Dutch League, which isn't particularly popular in Egypt.
It is also a golden opportunity for Ghaly to force himself on the Egyptian national team preparing for the African Cup qualifiers.
Now, as an Arsenal maniac, I will be forced to suppress my feelings and start routing for Spurs just for Ghaly's sake. But it's OK, we don't get to see an Egyptian playing in the Premiership everyday!

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