Egypt's assistant coach Shawki Gharib hailed the performance of Europe-based players Hossam Ghaly and Mohamed Zidan in the 3-0 victory over Mauritania in the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday. Gharib said that one of the game's outcomes was the sublime performance given by Ghaly and Zidan. "The national team benefited a lot from the return of European-based players like Ghaly and Zidan to international football," Gharib told FilGoal.com. Mainz striker Zidan had opened the scoring for Egypt while Ghaly's low cross was deflected by Mauritania's Bilal Sidibe for an own goal.
Ghaly played one of his best games for Egypt The versatile Tottenham completed the rout for the Pharaohs with a brilliant acrobatic goal after the break. "I think Ghaly's performance is his best in his career with the national team since playing at senior level," added Gharib. Gharib was also delighted by the performance of debutant Omar Gamal of Ismaili. The win put Egypt in charge of their Group B with 7 points. "We are satisfied with the three points that kept us on top of the group, regardless of the other results in the group that also includes Botswana and Burundi," said Gharib.
