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Egypt’s bitter pill to swallow

Egypt’s bitter pill to swallow

Posted: 2010-02-01 11:41

Egypt’s third successive African Nations Cup triumph has underlined again how much of blow missing out on the World Cup later this year is to the country.

Egypt enhanced their right to call themselves the best African side after an unprecedented third continental title in a row, beating Ghana with a late goal in Sunday’s final in Angola.

But for all their mastery at the Nations Cup, where they established a new record of 19 matches without defeat stretching back six years, Egypt have consistently failed to qualify for the biggest footballing showpiece of them all.

They were beaten last November in a dramatic play-off match by Algeria to again miss out.

Their last appearance at the World Cup came in 1990 in Italy and their form in qualifying since has contrasted starkly with their dominance in the Nations Cup.

Coach Hassan Shehata called his side the greatest ever in African footballing history after Sunday’s final, but gave a whimsical shrug of the shoulder when asked about the disappointment of missing the World Cup in South Africa in June.

But his assistant Shawki Gharib, who has spoken on Shehata’s behalf at all news conferences throughout the tournament, said: “We played to win because we didn’t qualify for the World Cup.”

Egypt had the consolation of extracting revenge over Algeria with a 4-0 thumping in the semifinal in Benguela last Thursday and also beat three other World-Cup bound teams, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria, on route to a record seventh Nations Cup title.

“This makes our success even better because it was the most difficult competition for us, having to beat four teams who have qualified for the World Cup,” added Gharib, a former international.

Earlier in the tournament captain Ahmed Hassan, again named Man of the Tournament, suggested winning three times at continental level would seem a better achievement than going to the World Cup.

“It is true to say that every player dreams of playing at the Word Cup, but I think three Nations Cup titles is better than the World Cup, where you probably play three games and go home,” he said in an interview.

Egypt were the first African country to participate at the World Cup finals in 1934.

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Maxy: 2010-02-01 11:58

My observation says, races that are light in completion and curly dark black hair are the greatest in soccer. Look at argentine, Maradona, Messi, Portugesse, Christiano Ronaldo, Egyptians, Brazillians, Italians. Despite being black nor white but they all have light skins and dark curly hair. They always beat all Africans origins, English people and Asians. These are races that were meant to concure in Soccer and there is nothing that other races can do it in their genes

Stonza: 2010-02-01 12:02

ok we've had enough of this AFNC...please post the article on the Egyptians kickoff portal/site....it has nothing to do with SA

Proffesor: 2010-02-01 12:10

Congralutaions to Egypt… it’s a pity they didn’t make de World Cup! I see Bafana Bafana making the quarterfinals. Nigeria, Algeria, Ivory Coast are my candidates to go out in the first round. Cameroon and Ghana in the second round… with Argentina being crowed the champions… and Maradona crying at the end!

Elijah : 2010-02-01 12:34

Egypt are the best. Period and we, as Africans, should all hail them.

Wilson: 2010-02-01 12:38

Soory Ghanians!!! I never knew you can actually come out of you shef to play football.. well then i wish you 've not stop the SUPPER EAGLE @ the semi final, i know our eagle will have done better to redeem their image at the final against the Egpt where all that matter most is the expirience which you dont have...any way I am still proud of u (Black Star)the team because they are young and the future bellong to them.

Disco: 2010-02-01 12:58

We are tired of Nigerians this Nigerian that whereas its not producing any results.....Egypt are the best, hate them or zonda them.Nigerian national team is active but not productive...They are very busy in the field of play but no results......Ghana culdn't match Egypt standard....they were just takiong chances, ask Brazil during Confed cup.

junior: 2010-02-01 13:41

but u will be surprised to see Nigeria occupying number one spot on CAF rankings.is high time that Egypt get some recognition.

samuel: 2010-02-01 14:08

even though we lost am proud of the B. Stars. with the infussion of some experience players like essein, muntary, john mensah, painstill, kelvin boateng and appiah to the team. GH will b the African team to watch at the world cup.

samuel: 2010-02-01 14:18

hi am from GH. SE is suffering because they lack an Olisey or an Okocha to drive the team. with Okachas exit i thought mikel would fit that role but he has failed to live upto expectation. amodu must be sacked not because he is not good but because he has lost the confedence of the players. but nigerians must know that the problem is bigger than amodu

king: 2010-02-01 15:35

As an african i feel so sad, that great team will not go to the world cup.....
damn i dont understand what is wrong wth those guys they have been beating all the african teams form west to east they even beat Italy and were close to do it vs Brasil during the confederation Cup.. how on the earth they didnt make it to the WC!!!!!!!!

obeche: 2010-02-01 16:41

i am predicting GHANA vrs BRAZIL in the world cup final in SA.

sly1: 2010-02-01 17:19

Maxwell, you are simply stupid. How can you reduce your race to also ran. Have you heard of PELE, ETO'O, DROGBA, OKOCHA. What colour are they?

As for you professor, do I need to remind you that the reason South Africa did not play in the AfCON is because NIGERIA BEAT YOUR TEAM HOME AND AWAY(even with a clueless coach). You need to fast and pray from now to the finals and your team will still be the first host country to be eliminated in the first round.

Nchilo fix your national team first before you critic others. Take away the log in your eye before trying to blow away the speck in ours

Basil: 2010-02-01 17:35

Fire Amodu now

Basil: 2010-02-01 17:45

Tony u say it's not much of Amodu's fault, then tell me who's fault it is. Is it my fault? Perhaps it's your fault that Amodu packed tired legs and fat worn outs like Yakubu, when we have the likes of Osanga, Udoh, Adeleke, Ajilores, Okoros just name them. Keep quiet if you have nothing to utter.

ken gadaffi: 2010-02-01 18:19

@allstar are u just trying to draw attention to yourself? What has ken gadaffi got to do with you?
I don't think its childishness that is worrying you, I think you are a semi illiterate and thats really worse than illiteracy itself which makes u unable to decipher my posts.

THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

ken gadaffi: 2010-02-01 18:28

I read in soccernet.com that Nigeria is also interested in Egypt Coach Shehata..... This NFF should stop making a fool of themselves but hopping here and there. na wa o o o o o


THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH

digga: 2010-02-01 18:31

“It is true to say that every player dreams of playing at the Word Cup, but I think three Nations Cup titles is better than the World Cup, where you probably play three games and go home,” he said in an interview.


ha ha...
do you read what this guy says here! he is saying all african countries in the worldcup will play 3 games and go home.

ha ha

by: 2010-02-01 19:55

World Cup 2010: Egypt Coach Hassan Shehata Claims Nigeria Interest
The Egyptian gaffer has revealed that Nigeria have approached him to lead the Super Eagles during the World Cup

Hassan Shehata failed to guide Egypt's national side to the 2010 World Cup after losing the decisive play-off 1-0 against Algeria. However, the Pharaohs gaffer led his side to their third consecutive Africa Cup victory and this hasn't gone unnoticed in Nigeria.

"Nigeria have expressed an interest in hiring me to take charge of their team during the World Cup," the 60-year-old Shehata was quoted as saying by Modern Sport.

"It would be a great honour for me to work at the World Cup. However, the Egyptian FA will have the final word on whether I could work with Nigeria on a temporary basis."

Nigeria's current head coach Shaibu Amodu is being heavily criticised following the Super Eagles' disappointing performances in Angola. The Nigerian FA were previously believed to be interested in signing Guus Hiddink, but the Dutchman made it clear that he was not interested in the job.

Nigeria will meet Argentina, South Korea and Greece in the group stage of the World Cup.

by: 2010-02-01 20:07

World Cup 2010: Egypt Coach Hassan Shehata Claims Nigeria Interest
The Egyptian gaffer has revealed that Nigeria have approached him to lead the Super Eagles during the World Cup

Hassan Shehata failed to guide Egypt's national side to the 2010 World Cup after losing the decisive play-off 1-0 against Algeria. However, the Pharaohs gaffer led his side to their third consecutive Africa Cup victory and this hasn't gone unnoticed in Nigeria.

"Nigeria have expressed an interest in hiring me to take charge of their team during the World Cup," the 60-year-old Shehata was quoted as saying by Modern Sport.

"It would be a great honour for me to work at the World Cup. However, the Egyptian FA will have the final word on whether I could work with Nigeria on a temporary basis."

Nigeria's current head coach Shaibu Amodu is being heavily criticised following the Super Eagles' disappointing performances in Angola. The Nigerian FA were previously believed to be interested in signing Guus Hiddink, but the Dutchman made it clear that he was not interested in the job.

Nigeria will meet Argentina, South Korea and Greece in the group stage of the World Cup.

lurdmanny : 2010-02-01 20:24

SE lost against 2 teams the egyptians and the ghanian who are eventually the winners and the runner up respectively what else do we want?? if only angola,mali,ivorycoast,cameroon tunisia, get to this stage

Anthony: 2010-02-01 20:32

NFF RULE OUT KESHI, SIASIA; DENY RENARD. Insist On Foreign Coach & Trainer

http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/2010/02/nff-rule-out-keshi-siasia-deny-renard-insist-on-foreign-coach-trainer/

intrepid: 2010-02-01 20:41

Forumites, pls do not allow Isa Hayatou to kill African football. He has been there since 1988, don't you think we deserve a change?

IceQueen: 2010-02-01 20:50

@Ken Gadaffi

I admire your fighting spirit! You have shown that you're a man who is not easily intimidated. It is very easy for someone to just follow the crowd, but to stand out and stand up for what you believe in, is one of the herdest things to do in life. Continue the good fight my friend!!!

It has been a pleasure and honour fighting on your side alongside other forumites on both sides of the argument. I believe all of want the Super Eagles to progress...

History will record it that during the CAN 2010, YOU KEN, stood up and did your job, which is to give ABSOLUTE and TOTAL SUPPORT to the SUPER EAGLES(players and coaches), which is what we as FANS are meant to do.

THANK YOU MY FRIEND...!!!

au: 2010-02-01 21:27

@Ken Gadaffi,
How's Asia? I can't recall the country you reside in again lol
Well, I read via bbc http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/8492166.stm
the Shehata story... I no know wheather make I laugh, cry or just 'sidon look' in amazement. NO DISRESPECT to Shehata AT ALL but it's the way our FA reeks of CLUELESSNESS that's absolutely ridiculous. Which coach will take this job seriously??? any coach is just going to upgrade his/her(You never know with LULU and Co) resume/CV. UNBELIEVABLE!
Anyway just wanted to rub my thoughts in with you

au: 2010-02-01 21:31

P.S. Please NOTE the 'her' in my statement isn't meant in a parochial way whatsoever, I was only trying to express a point. I apologize before hand for even stating it like so... It's the way it was in my head. Icequeen et al no offense

IceQueen: 2010-02-01 21:40

@ Ken G,

I do not know your stance on the NFF, but I wish we had a man like you in the NFF. A man sticks to his guns on issues a man above politics. I must also mention Kolawole,Doyin, Frank(original) and so many other decent forum members on both sides of the Amodu issue. You have also shown character in your beliefs and made it known through out the debate.

Essentially from all the views we expressed on the Super Eagles coaching staff, we can deduct one thing, we NEED to make a CHANGE. But the question is, where?

One thing is sure; Amodu will not be SE coach FOREVER. He will go, whether on Friday or in August 2010. So the question is what next?

Most of us agree that the Super Eagles should be doing better, so what is the problem? Amodu? If yes, how come ALL before him, after Jo Bonferer have come unstuck at the semi-final stage? Chukwu, Eguavon,Berti Vogts etc have all failed. If you know about logic, the simple deduction is that, THEY ARE NOT THE PROBLEM!

So what’s the problem? These are the questions we should be focusing on NOW.

The NFA is expected to sack Amodu of Friday, but how come nobody has called them out for appointing him in the first place? They appointed Berti Vogts and he failed and now they are telling us that Amodu has failed too. Shouldn’t they resign for making the same mistake TWICE?

IceQueen: 2010-02-01 21:57

Let us assume that we appoint we appoint a foreign coach. He comes in jolts the players into some good performances at the World Cup, lose bravely in the first round, second round, Quarter final or even the semi-final, fair enough! Even if we go ALL the way, the question is after the HIGHS of those FOUR weeks, will it have changed things in the way our football is run? After all we won the Olympic GOLD and you and I are still here.

Ivory Coast and Cameroon were as awful as Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations, but do you hear of any confusion in their ranks? They have gone back home to WORK on their mistakes, but what are we doing TALKING instead of WORKING! This is a hallmark of a fairly organized FA!

We ask these questions as football fans in Nigeria. We need to ask about LEAGUE, we need to ask about YOUTH development. We need to ask POOR facilities, we need to ask about coaches’ development. We need to ask about SO MANY THINGs.

Let us start from the MONEY STOLEN from the NFF OFFICES last year…

IceQueen: 2010-02-01 22:07

WHERE IS THAT MONEY?
WHY HAVEN'T THEY FIGURED OUT WHO STOLE?
WHICH RAT HOME TOLD THE RAT IN THE BUSHES THAT THERE ARE FISHES ON THE FIRE PLACE?
WHO EMPLOYED THE RAT?

If we really want to make any sort of progress as a nation, we need to enshrine a system of justice in our country. Maybe we can start with football!

That money belongs to the NFF which includes the fans, we mustn't keep quiet bcos OUR money has been stolen too.

Otherwise am afraid people will give us the run around ALL the time and we shall be moving in circles because as long as they seek to serve their personal interests we shall NEVER move forward!

Dieter: 2010-02-01 22:31

I just read that our Nff ask the egyptian coach to take us to world and says that it would a honour for him!!

Before we start celebrating, lets think first...

What this man has done in egypt took him a long time!!! He cant just come and do that in 3months!!

We have to keep Amodu to take our team to the world cup. Things are geting better but it takes time. Why should we be ashamed?? We are going to be in SA2010 and we won the third place in Angola.
To me thats high level and our boys can do more but only if they can develope with NO new beginnings.

sly1: 2010-02-01 22:42

Tony I want to take my time and tear down your arguements, one after the other

1. Amodu is slow, way too conservative and full of bad judgements to be considered a World Cup football manager. He shouuld be FIRED IMMEDIATELY. What about 2002! He was fired for playing very uninspiring soccer (even with Okocha and Oliseh)and losing control of team disciplene. Fast forward to 2010, his team played worse and we heard of clashes with players including Kanu (the reason he refused to play the legend for most of the tournament). He has no respect left, even the always quiet Osaze criticized him in the media. Yes he has been criticized a lot because of his decisions and incompetence; but if he can't stand it, he should simply resign. As for meeting his mandate, the semi final target was set too low because of his incompetency. All coaches before him were asked to win the cup because Nigerians are tired of Bronze. As for the world cup ticket, we all know how we barely scraped through. Governor Fashola is entitled to his own opinion. But, I DO NOT support the hiring of any foreign coach either, not even Mourinho. Siasia should be given the job without NFF interference and a 4 year contract!!!

2.The problem of the Eagles is an NFF that continues to interfare in the coaches duties and a daft coach. IT IS DEFINITELY NOT THE PLAYERS. Players don't pick themseves the coach does. The lack of commitment Amodu's players show is because he has lost respect and they know he is too lazy to look for replacements. The right coach will only pick players who are loyal to him and the flag hence the " I am willing to die on the field" attitude. Before Beijing 2008, Solomon Okoronkwo and Obinna Nsofor claimed they were willing to play for free just to win a Gold medal for their COACH and Country! This is the character Siasia demands in his teams. They never lack COMMITMENT. I will agree with you that it was not Amodu's fault Osaze and Martins could not score just as Siasia took the blame for the profligacy of his strikers in Egypt. But it was Amodu who chose to include several unfit players in his squad. He chose an unfit Martins and dropped Enaromo. He selected a team of 24 from 32 without even one training session. He INITIALLY dropped OBASI! Is that bad judgement or what? Do you realise Amodu made the same substitutions against Zambia as the game versus the Mambas. Where those 2 games in anyway alike?

3. Again I agree with you that Eagles need a creative midfielder amongst other things. Mikel tried but he is not one. But how many years does Amodu need to find one. He promised to invite Rabiu after Egypt 2009. The young man is still waiting. Kanu played well in that position, you need to ask your chosen one how come he did not use him more. Lukman Haruna is another option. We need wingers too. I suggest Osanga King for the right and maybe Taiwo for the left. Has Amodu thought of this. But are you not tired of suggesting ideas to a coach that does not listen. The man paid to do the job should know what to do, THAT IS COMPETENCY.

Towards the end you are even criticizing your World class coach. Tony wrote "Finally I just think some players taken to Angola 2010 are not matured yet for SE roles: Nwaneri, Yosuf Mohammed in defence and the likes of Etuhu in midfield should be dropped and replaced with new players or even old ones like Adeleye who are better and more confident players." Amodu picks his players either from the NFF OR BY SENTIMENTS NOT ON MERIT. Sorry Tony we can't "Let Amodu be" so he can kill our football. Even you, are not happy with the marriage. We need a divorce. For those calling for coaching courses for him, he should leave and pursue that on his own. He has been paid enough for being lazy. After watching the way France qualified, Nigeria's victory in St. Entiene has lost its value.

Lets support Siasia to invite the local and foreign based players and build a team of the best Nigeria has to offer. God bless SE, God bless Siasia. As for Fashola, you can support Siasia too. We dont need any European rejects to show us the way. YES WE CAN.

BIG SLY WITH EAGLES 4 LIFE

Maxy: 2010-02-02 08:09

sly1: 2010-02-01 17:19 [ Report ]
Dont be too emotional. challenge my idea with facts than smearing me with pig mud. Tell me which African team have ever won the world cup.The Drogbas and Eto's are just a drop in the ocean they are failing in their respective teams to reach the semi finals of the world cups. Certain Sports not only soccer can be attributed to certain group of people. look at Japanesse with Table tennis, Jamaican 100m runners and South Africans Rugby etc. With this knowledge we can look at what we do best and peform more for that

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