Ahmed Hassan will participate in Egypt's African Cup of Nations second game against Sudan after his ban was cut to two matches upon appeal, the Egypt skipper said on Tuesday. The Anderlecht midfielder is delighted with CAF's decision and intends to do his best to help the Pharaohs defend the title they won on home soil in 2006. "I'm optimistic over our chances in the tournament," the 32-year-old told FilGoal.com. Hassan was banned for three games by CAF for lashing out at an opponent with his boot during Egypt's goalless draw with Burundi in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers. However, after an appeal to reduce the punishment, Hassan has been cleared by African governing body CAF to take part in Egypt's match against Sudan in CAN 2008 in Ghana. He will only miss the tournament's opener against Cameroon as he has already served the first match of suspension when Egypt beat Botswana 1-0 earlier this month. Balanced draw Egypt were handed a relatively easy draw as they were paired with Cameroon, Sudan and Zambia in Group B.
"The draw is balanced, we are favorites to go through to the quarter-finals," Hassan added. Egypt's chances to compete for the title were called into question following the team's dismal display in CAN qualifiers despite being drawn with some of Africa's minnows. Fears were fuelled after Egypt, with a second-string line-up, were handed a crushing 4-1 away defeat to Japan in a friendly. "Japan's defeat could have a negative effect on our position in FIFA's ranking and thus, we can be handed a tough draw in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers," Hassan bemoaned. Ahli players, who form the backbone of Egypt's squad, were omitted by national team coach Hassan Shehata in order to give them time prepare for their club's Champions League final against Etoile Sahel. "Ahli players shouldn't have been excluded from the tip to Japan. There was a space of 10 days between the friendly and the African final. "This period was enough for Ahli players to rest and become refreshed for the Champions League final, which was no more important than the Japan fixture."
