African Champions Egypt kick-off their title defending campaign on Tuesday when they clash with long-time rivals Cameroon in Group C. Both sides clashed 21 times in all competition, with Egypt winning nine times and losing five. Cameroon lions might be out for revenge as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by the Pharaohs, a result that left them out of the World Cup 2006. Later on Tuesday, Sudan will play Zambia in the same group in Kumasi. Egypt "Whoever minimizes our chances is underestimating us. I am sure we will go beyond these expectations and reach the final stages of the competition. "We are the defending champions. We have to oppose all external forces." Egypt assistant coach Shawky Gharib. Team News: Egypt will be without skipper Ahmed Hassan, who is suspended following a red card against Mauritania in the qualifiers. Coach Hassan Shehata said that Hassan's absence will be crucial as the Anderlecht ace is 'irreplaceable'. However, goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari is expected to shake off a minor ankle injury sustained in training on Sunday. Mohamed Abou-Treika is also expected to return to action, after he missed all Egypt's friendlies due to flu. Center-back Ibrahim Saied is still doubtful.
Strength: Egypt have a major boost as holders of CAN 2006 and record five-time champions of the competition. Tough striker Amr Zaki and Africa's best goalie Al-Hadari are likely to make the difference against the Lions. Weakness: The back line experiences several ups and downs. Wael Gomaa is swinging dramatically between excellent and poor while Hani Saied seems lost in his new role. Probable Line-up: Al-Hadari, Moawad, Fathi, Gomaa, Fathallah, H. Saied, Abd-Rabou, Shawky, Abou-Treika, Zaki, Meteb. Cameroon "We are coming here as one of the favorites, everyone knows that, but that will be difficult and we have to fight for it." Cameroon star Geremi Ndjitap. Team News: The Lions enjoy a fully fit squad. Strength: The Indomitable Lions heavily rely on striker Samuel Eto'o, the Barcelona ace is a world class talent capable of leading any team to glory. Weakness: The Cameroon squad had less than a week to prepare for the Ghana finals, the Lions are the only team not to play a single pre-tournament warm-up. Probable Line-up: Kameni, Atouba, Binya, R.Song, Tchato, Geremi, Makoun, M'Bami, Idrissou, Eto'o, Job.
