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!
