What happened in Kumasi, Ghana on Thursday night was nothing short of a fairytale. It was a true story of David and Goliath. To the Egyptians, their team was David, while Ivory Coast, with their impeccable squad that includes the likes of Drogba, Dindane, Keita and the Kone and Toure brothers who ply their trade for some of the biggest clubs in Europe like Barcelona, Chelsea and Lyon among others. It didn't matter that Egypt were and still are the reigning African champions. It has become part of the local culture for the Egyptians to be pessimistic and uncertain about several aspects of life; possibly because of the many let down they had suffered on the political, social and sometimes sporting level. Anyone who roamed the streets of Cairo late on Thursday and saw the celebrations that continued till the wee hours of the night will recognize that Egypt's 4-1 thrashing of Ivory Coast was not merely a win in a football match; it was a victory over one of African football's superpowers. Not many people had high aspirations for the national team when they embarked on the quest to retain the title. Even though the build up for the tournament was impressive, the Egyptians had a tough time reaching the finals. Egypt's unstable form has left most football critics and fans skeptical of coach Hassan Shehata and his men, especially that they believe that the main reason the Pharaohs won the 2006 edition was because of the overwhelming support that they had at the Cairo International Stadium. It wouldn't be surprising to assume that divine intervention and the prayers of 80 million Egyptian fans played a part in what happened at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
I have to admit I was one of Shehata's skeptics, but the cunningness of the former Zamalek's maestro and his technical staff deserves the praise of critics worldwide. But no one can deny that it was the finesse and commitment of the Egyptian players and the shrewdness of Shehata were the determining factor. I have to admit I was one of Shehata's skeptics, but the cunningness of the former Zamalek's maestro and his technical staff deserves the praise of critics worldwide. It is impressive to see Egyptian's playing the kind of total football that only Brazil and Holland master. With their stylish approach of short and intricate passing in midfield and continuous pressure on the opponent everywhere, Egypt's players were gods on the pitch for the duration of 100 minutes played. Egypt went into the semi-final as underdogs, just as they entered the tournament, and since everyone loves an underdog story, you could see a lot of people sympathizing with the team, even the opponents who underestimate the curse of the Pharaohs. That's what Cameroon, Sudan and finally Ivory Coast did, however, the Indomitable Lions are not expected to repeat their mistake. Yet, Shehata and his assistants seem confident they can once again overcome their opponents, and that I do believe. Whether or not the Pharaohs retain the title when they clash with Cameroon in the final again, they have earned the respect, not sympathy, of football fans that followed the competition. All what is expected of the players, is to continue their impressive performances and keep on fighting until the last minute while the Egyptian fans have to keep the faith.
