Egypt take Sudan on Saturday in Group C of the African Cup of Nations as the defending champions seek qualification to the quarter-finals against their hostile neighbors. Sudanese players attacked Egyptian reporters and cameramen on Friday as they tried to interview them ahead of the anticipated clash. Manager Mohamed Abdullah defended his players, stressing that Egyptian media used to say "bad things" about his team and said that beating the Pharaohs is more important than qualification. The Egyptian camp remained silent over the provocation, with assistant coach Shawki Gharib saying that they have full respect for their opponents. Zambia, who play Cameroon on the same day, top the group with three points, leading Egypt on goal difference. Sudan are rooted. Egypt "We played well against Cameroon but I still want more from my team because we want to keep the cup." Manager Hassan Shehata. Team News: With no injury concerns, Shehata is likely to stick with the starting eleven who lambasted Cameroon in the group's opener. However, Egypt have a very hot bench, with influential skipper Ahmed Hassan, Ahli wizard Mohamed Abou-Treika and veteran defender Ibrahim Saied ready to make their mark.
The Pharaohs bench is busy Strength: The massive victory over Cameroon demonstrated how commanding midfield duo Hosni Abd-Rabou and Mohamed Shawky are, their form will be crucial to the holders' hopes of a quarter-finals berth. Weakness: Egyptian players sometimes are on pins and needles against Arab opponents and it is important they don't get intimated by the pre-match tension. Probable Line-up: Al-Hadari- Fathallah, Gomaa, Moawad, Fathi, H.Saied, Abd-Rabou, Shawky, Zidan, Zaki, Meteb. Sudan "We like to work under pressure because that has often brought out the best in the players." Manager Mohamed Abdullah 'Mazda'. Team News: Sudan have a fully fit team, but coach Mazda could make some changes to the side who was soundly beaten by Zambia. Striker Faisal Ajab and midfielder Mugahid Ahmed are likely to lose their places after the poor performance last week. Strength: Technically, the Sudanese have no advantage over their North African neighbors, but they simply have nothing to lose on Saturday. Weakness: Sudan looked totally hapless in the Zambia defeat, their defense seemed exposed, and they also appeared to be clueless upfront. Probable Line-up: Mahjoub- Khider, Gibril, Bakhit, Gastin- Yousif, Mustafa, Galag, Bashir- Tambal, Babiker. History backing Egypt against Sudan
