The Pharaohs are the reigning African champions and the only team to win the continental title five times. They head to Ghana as one of the favorites to retain the title. However, it will not be smooth sailing for the Egyptians who will be tremendously missing the huge home support they enjoyed when they won the last edition on home soil. The title holders also have to overcome their demon, which is playing abroad. The Pharaohs have not won a single game outside Egypt since beating Sudan 3-0 in June, 2004. Adding to the Egyptians' woes will be the absence of experienced striker Mido and mercurial midfielder Mohamed Barakat who are both nursing injuries. Having had a bumpy qualifying campaign, the Egyptians are under pressure to perform in Ghana and any exit before the semi-finals will virtually end coach Shehata's tenure with the team. Egypt are expected to join Cameroon in the second round even though they have two strong contenders in Sudan and Zambia. Egypt's strength lies in veteran goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari and a star studded midfield including versatile players like Shawky, Abd-Rabou and captain Ahmed Hassan, in addition to deft strikers like Amr Zaki, Emad Meteb and Hamburg ace Mohamed Zidan. Coach: Hassan Shehata (Egyptian) The 58-year-old boasts a strong managerial career on the club level, having helped local clubs like Al-Sharkeya, Menya, and Suez clubs secure first division berths. He then coached the Egyptian U-20 national team with whom he won the continental title of 2003 and the second round of the FIFA World Youth Championship later that year.
Abou-Treika Shehata then returned to the club level, guiding Arab Contractors to the Egyptian Cup and Super Cup titles in 2004. He then took over as coach of the Pharaohs, steering them to a record fifth African title on home soil in 2006. Star Player: Mohamed Abou-Treika The 29-year-old has been dubbed the "Smiling Assassin" by foreign media for his goal scoring abilities and trademark grin. Abou-Treika began his professional career with Tersana club in Cairo at the tender age of 17 where he remained anonymous for many years since the spotlight always remained on Ahli and Zamalek players. His talent was unleashed when Ahli coach Manuel Jose signed him in January 2004. Ever since, Abou-Treika has been the Portuguese's go-to guy on the pitch. Abou-Treika's magic lies in his playmaking skills and scoring abilities. The classy midfielder is well known for his clever passes, exemplary ball control and deft finishing. In his four years with Ahli, the midfield maestro guided the team to three league titles, two Egyptian Cup trophies, three Super Cup trophies, two CAF Champions League titles and two African Super Cups, in addition to the bronze medal at the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. On the national team level, Abou-Treika was a pivotal member of Egypt's 2006 African Cup of Nations success, notching home the decisive penalty in the final game shootout against Ivory Coast. In 2006, Abou-Treika finished both the local league and Champions League as top scorer. He was also nominated for the African Footballer of the Year Award and BBC African Player of the Year Award. Abou-Treika is expected to play an instrumental role for the Pharaohs in Ghana with his talent, hard work and commitment.
