Egypt vs Angola (2-1)

Egypt vs Angola (2-1)

Date: 4-2-2008
Wrote: EP's webmaster

The Pharaohs advanced to the semi final round of ACN 2008 after an impressive display and a 2-1 win over Angola. The first half ended in a 2-1 lead for Egypt as Abd Rabo scored from the spot while Manucho equalized for the Angolan from a stunning long way effort. Zaki, however, reclaimed the lead for Egypt and the Egyptians defended their lead superbly in the 2nd half with perfect possession and patient play.

Zaki scored again for the Pharaohs

The Pharaohs met expectations in a dominant win:

Egypt qualified to the semifinal to face the onform Ivorians after an impressive win over Angola by two goals to one.

Egypt's patient and confident play especially in the 2nd half made the job easy as the Egyptians controlled the rhythm of gameplay and gave Angola no chance to gain possession and cause danger.

In the first half, Egypt started confidently and Shawky tested the goalkeeper with a long range effort. Minutes later Egypt won a freekick outside the box and a defender handled the ball. The match referee awarded Egypt the penalty kick and the penalty kick taker Abd Rabo sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and scored to give Egypt the early lead.

After the goal and contrary to the past few games, Egyptians looked a bit confused at the back and Flavio/Manucho combo looked dangerous.

Minutes later, Shady let Manucho get ahead of him and send a stunning volley shot at goal which beat El Hadary and made the score 1-1.

However, Egyptians reclaimed their lead when Ahmed Fathy sent a fine cross into the box which reached Zaki who chested it home to reclaim the lead again for Egypt.

Early on in the second half, Manucho made a one-two pass and went one on one with Hadary but fortunately for Egypt, his final effort went just wide.

After this initial threat from Angola, Hassan who masterminded the game made two tactical changes by replacing Zaki with Ahmed Hassan and introducing Fathalla in Moawad's place. The changes gave Egypt dominance over midfield again and Angola never looked a threat since then.

On the other hand, Egypt could have scored in numerous occasions but the goalkeeper of Angola managed to keep the score just 2-1.

Zidan not selected after ankle injury

In Brief:

Result: Egypt 2-1 Angola

Man of the Match: It may be hard to single out a player for the Man of match but Wael Gomaa managed to silence Flavio completely.

Star players: Ahmed Fathy, Abotreka, Shawky, and Zaki (Egypt). Manucho (Angola).

Egypt Praised on British Eurosport:

The two commentators in British version of Eurosport heaped praise on Egypt and Shehata during the match. The commentators praised Egypt's ability to control the rhythm of gameplay, and the impressive possession football from the Egyptian side. The commentators stressed that Shehata managed the gam perfectly with his substitutions in the 2nd half which corrected all the first half mistakes and completely shut down the Angolan danger.

The commentators were alittle surprised to see Gomaa confused early on, but the Egyptian centre back continued the game as a rock at the back and the British commentators were quick to add that such performance was what they expected from Gomaa.

In a short discussion on Egypt vs Ivory Coast semi final clash, both commentators agreed that the game will be something to watch and will be a battle between strong tactics and patient gameplay which is represented by Egypt and fast paced football of the Ivorians.

Zidan hits out at rumours:

It was surprising to see Zidan outside the Egypt squad. Rumours started quickly that the player had a bust up with coaching staff but Zizou was quick to deny these rumours and confirmed that he picked up an ankle injury in training and couldn't feature in the game only because of injury.

Zidan was quick to add that he is on a mission with Egypt and everyone is determined to win. The HSV striker attended the game with the rest of his teammates and was quick to congratulate Shehata right after the match.

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