Egypt claim Cup of Nations again
Reuters - Sunday 31 January 2010, 20:48
LUANDA - Substitute Mohamed Nagui scored
five minutes from time to hand Egypt an unprecedented third
successive African Nations Cup title after a 1-0 victory over
Ghana on Sunday.
It was a far from impressive performance from the Egyptians
but a rare attack near the end of the match gave Nagui his fifth
goal of the tournament and snatched a record seventh African
championship for his country.
He curled a shot into the Ghana net from a tight angle after
a smart one-two with striker Mohamed Zidan, who had been largely
anonymous throughout the game.
"We have achieved what no other side has ever done. This is
the best team ever in the history (of African football)," said
victorious coach Hassan Shehata.
Ghana, badly affected by injury to key players, had
surprised many with their progress to the final but despite an
inexperienced line-up they took the game to their opponents.
Egypt, who missed out on qualification for this year´s World
Cup finals, started with nine of their winning team from two
years ago while only two of Ghana´s side had been born when they
last won the Nations Cup in 1982.
"We won this to make up for the disappointment of the World
Cup," defender Wael Gomaa told a news conference.
CAGEY GAME
Ghana created more of the limited chances in a cagey game,
devoid of any tempo and pace in the muggy and humid conditions
in the Angolan capital.
Striker Asamoah Gyan, who played a lone role up front, was
full of enterprise and came close with several efforts, all of
them from outside the box.
Most of the goal-bound efforts came from long range as both
defences held tight for much of the game and players retreated
quickly behind the ball when without possession.
Egypt had two opportunities midway through the second half
but both Emad Moteab and Zidan were let down by their first
touch.
Ghana might have forced the game into extra time with the
last attack of the match after a cross from Samuel Inkoom evaded
the Egypt defence but fell wide off the chest of substitute Eric
Addo.
The win meant Egypt extended their run of unbeaten games at
the Nations Cup to 19.
Captain Ahmed Hassan, named man of the match, became the
first player to win four Nations Cup medals.