FT World Cup 2018: Egypt's Tournament in Review

Disappointing Egypt fail to create any momentum at the World Cup

Things just didn’t work out for the Egyptians in this World Cup. It is said, “to whom much is given, much is expected”. The Pharaohs simply failed to deliver on football’s biggest stage. Kicking off their World Cup campaign without their talisman player Mohamed Salah, the North African giants never looked threatening in any of their three Group A games. They went down 1-0 to Uruguay in their opening match. The story continued in their second game where they lost 3-1 to Russia, and even the return of Salah in this game couldn’t rally the team to victory. They capped off their disappointing World Cup with a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, effectively leaving the tournament with another disappointing display. 

Egypt vs Uruguay

The first game was quite an uphill task for the Egyptians in all honesty. With the news that Mohamed Salah would not start the match due to his shoulder injury he received from the UEFA Champions League final with Liverpool, it was quite hard to imagine them grinding out a positive result in this match. The outcome of the game proved as much as they succumbed to a late Luis Suarez goal which resulted in a 1-0 victory for Uruguay. The loss was all but shocking considering that Egypt never really looked like they would break down a well oiled Uruguay defense marshaled by Diego Godin.

Egypt vs Russia

This was a game that was highly anticipated by most Egyptian fans as it marked the return of Mohammed Salah after recovering from his shoulder injury. Ahmed Fathi’s bizarre own goal seemed to have paved way for more goals as Russia became rampant thereafter, adding two goals in quick succession, courtesy of Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba to kill the game off. Though Salah did pull a goal back for the Egyptians 20 minutes from time with a coolly struck penalty, the damage was already done and Egypt found it hard to break down a resolute Russian defense in search for a comeback. An early exit for Egypt was confirmed at the end of this game after two losses on the trot.

Egypt vs Saudi Arabia

Many expected Egypt to salvage some pride here by beating Saudi Arabia, but that was not to be. Salah put the Pharaohs ahead with a nice lob over the Saudi Arabian keeper, but Salman Al Faraj sent Essam El-Haddary the wrong way to level matters after Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty. The Saudis then put the last nail in the coffin for Egypt right at the stroke of full-time courtesy of Salem Al Dawsari's close-range finish, defeating the Egyptians 2-1. This marked the end of The Pharaohs’ short World Cup spell which was thoroughly disappointing, to say the least.

Lessons Learned

• Defense is the best form of attack, Egypt was poor defensively hence they also failed to provide a threat going forward.

• Not relying on one man to drive the team.

• Play for the jersey and show hunger.

Evaluation

Heavy reliance on one man can be a recipe for disaster. Egypt simply did not offer much going forward especially during Salah’s absence. It is safe to say the North African giants never got the ball rolling.

Critical Issue

They need to ramp up their defense which proved to be the weakest link of the team. With the departure of El Hadary, the team also needs more leaders to step up and motivate the players all around the pitch.

FT World Cup 2018: Egypt with a surprise loss to Saudi Arabia

The age-old adage, “same story, just a different day” proved true for Egypt in their disappointing World Cup journey as they closed off their campaign with a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia.

It was a game that had little but pride to play for, considering that both teams were already eliminated from advancing into the knockout rounds from Group A after losing their first two matches.

“The Pharaohs” drew first blood in their first convincing attack of the game when Mohamed Salah latched onto a long ball from Abdallah El-Said and chipped the ball over the advancing keeper into the back of the net.

Saudi Arabia, however, was given a penalty in the 41st minute, which was brilliantly saved by legendary goalkeeper Essam El-Haddary, who was celebrating a milestone during this game. The Egyptian goalkeeper became the oldest player to ever play at the World Cup, at 45 years-old, and capped that honor by cooly saving Fahad Al Muwallad's penalty.

However, Saudi Arabia was to be given another penalty on the stroke of halftime of which this time they were able to convert as Salman Al Faraj sent El-Haddary the wrong way to draw the two sides level. The Saudis then put the last nail in the coffin for Egypt as they snatched a winning goal at the very death courtesy of Salem Al Dawsari's close-range finish, which further emphasized a very humiliating Egyptian World Cup display.

As they bid farewell to the World Cup, Salah’s future with the Egyptian national team has been a key talking point. This comes after his involvement in a political row during his stay with the Egyptians in Chechnya during the World Cup. It is said that before the World Cup commencement, Salah was pictured alongside Chechen Republic leader Ramzan Kadyrov at Egypt's base. Kadyrov declared Salah as an honorary citizen of Chechnya in a ceremony that Salah attended.

Nonetheless, this will be a very forgetful World Cup experience for Egypt especially because much was expected from the North Africans but instead, they choked at the biggest stage. Lessons were learned and hopefully “The Pharaohs” will bounce back and win the hearts of Africa once more.

FT World Cup 2018: Senegal held to a 2-2 draw by Japan

Three African teams have already been knocked out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia namely; Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt. Senegal was the first team from the continent to pick up three points in the tournament so far before Nigeria learned from their mistakes and got back in the conversation as they beat Iceland.

On Sunday, 24th of June, Senegal were looking to repeating this feat as they matched up with fellow Group H member Japan. Les Lions de la Téranga coach, Aliou Cisse played around with his starting XI by switching the formation from 4-4-2 in the previous match to a 4-3-3 and accommodated Ndiaye in midfield. They started off well. It was in the 11th minute that Sadio Mane was accredited for scoring a goal for Senegal after Kawashima parried Youssouf Sabaly's shot into the feet of the Liverpool forward before the ball bounced off his shin and rolled into the net. Senegal continued to dominate in a first half that was typified by long balls and physical battles in the middle of the park. Japan came back into the match on the 34th minute through Inui’s curler that beat Khadim Ndiaye to level the matters.

Moussa Wague gave Senegal the lead for the second time in the match as he turned in Sabaly’s cross from a tight angle on the 71st minute. The Japanese coach made a bold decision of removing Shinji Kagawa and replaced him with Keisuke Honda before also throwing Shinji Okazaki into the match to rescue a point. The pair caused havoc in the opposition box, and it was written in the stars that they would leave a mark on the match. The Senegalese goalkeeper miscalculated a Japanese cross into the box and completely missed it which gifted Honda the opportunity to slot home just 7 minutes after Wague’s goal. The game ended in a 2-2 draw.

In all fairness, both teams created opportunities to score and showed the desire to stay in the competition, desire that has been lacking in the other African teams that have already been eliminated at this stage. The only question remaining is the omission of a young player on the rise. Up until now, we have not seen Keita Balde in this tournament. The young winger is highly rated and widely regarded to be the next big thing but is still yet to kick a ball in this tournament. Could it be that they have been reserving for the most challenging match (against Colombia) which will be the decider?

FT World Cup 2018: Russia continue victorious form against Egypt

The return of Mohammed Salah was not enough to inspire Egypt in their second match in Group A on Tuesday night as they lost 3-1 to World Cup hosts, Russia.

With Salah making a return to the starting XI after shaking off a shoulder injury, much was expected from “The Pharaohs” especially in the final third, however, that was not to be the case.

Ahmed Fathi’s bizarre own goal seemed to have paved way for more goals as Russia went rampant thereafter, adding two goals in quick succession, courtesy of Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba to kill the game off. Though Salah did pull a goal back for the Egyptians 20 minutes from time with a coolly struck penalty, the damage was already done and Egypt found it hard to break a resolute Russian defense in search for a comeback.

This was a game in which much was expected from Egypt especially with the return of Salah who had been sorely missed in the team’s first match against Uruguay. But even Salah’s presence couldn’t rally the team to victory as they failed to create clear-cut chances to trouble the Russian defense.

With two losses on the hump and one game left for them, it seems it might take all but a miracle for Egypt to salvage any chance of qualifying to the round of last 16. The Egyptians’ chances are hanging by a thread as they are now dependent on the outcome of Wednesday’s encounter between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Egypt currently sits at the bottom of Group A with zero points, with Russia leading the group with six points.

Is Egypt on the brink of exiting the World Cup, or can “The Pharaohs” still make a comeback and qualify for the round of 16?

FT World Cup 2018: Africa’s winless streak perpetuated by a set-piece and 90th minute ‘curse.’

It began with the Pharaohs of Egypt. Matched up against the two-time world champions, Uruguay in a Group A clash, a match they had lost already on paper and in the eyes of many ‘pragmatic’ football enthusiasts. The lack of optimism originated more so because their talisman player, Mohamed Salah, was sitting this one out, working towards full recovery from his shoulder injury after his UEFA Champions League final controversial clash with Sergio Ramos. 

It was a totally different story on the pitch, the Pharaohs stood from their thrones and fought for their lives. Their plan to frustrate the ferocious La Celeste’s frontline of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani had been working successfully for nearly the entire match, and the Egyptian goalkeeper, El Shenawy defied gravity a couple of times, making saves that earned him the Budweiser sponsored Man of the Match Award which he turned down because of his faith. In the end, the 90th minute decided to pass a verdict on the match. Jose Maria Gimenez rose highest to head Sanchez’s free-kick into the back of the net, breaking Egyptian and African hearts.

The script was a bit different and somewhat similar for the Moroccans. The Lions of the Atlas started their Group C campaign with an Arabian derby against Iran. It was a match that most people expected them to win having reached the World Cup finals with some fluid displays and conceding no goals. Six-goal thriller participants, Portugal and Spain will certainly view themselves as favorites against Morocco, hence the need for Morocco to win the Iranian match and maximize any chances of reaching the knockout stages. They indeed came motivated to the match, creating more chances, showing more intent to win and forcing a couple of saves from their opponent’s goalkeeper. Again, a 90th-minute free kick decided the match. The substitute striker, Aziz Bouhaddouz, unfortunately, deflected an Iranian free-kick into his own net and handed the Iranians their first world cup win in 20-years.

The 90th-minute 'curse' was not necessary for the Croatia-Nigeria match but the set-piece curse was having none of it. Luka Modric curled a corner into the box which Mandzukic flicked before finding the unsuspecting Nigerian midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo who finished the job for the Croatians. The second goal of the match came in the 71st minute, a penalty which Modric calmly converted, and ending any hopes for points for the Super Eagles.

As far as Africa is concerned, the task was left for Tunisia to walk the walk heading into Monday’s match against England. As the commentator described it, the Three Lions flew out of their traps early in the match and found the net through their captain, Harry Kane who turned in a rebound from close range after John Stones had forced off a fine save from Hassen. Again, it was from a corner-kick, another set piece piling misery on Tunisian fans and Africans. The Carthage Eagles did bounce-back and scored Africa’s first goal of the tournament through Sassi who converted from the penalty spot in the 35th minute. They seemed content with the stalemate and closed up shop, defending in numbers and trying to catch England on the break for the remainder of the match. The unfortunate and recurring theme of decisive moments in the 90th-minute occurred again when Kieran Trippier swung in another corner-kick which found its way to Harry Kane, who netted his second for the night and ended up being the winner for the English side.

Now, only Senegal remain unscathed. How will they fare against Poland in their Group H opener on Tuesday?

FT World Cup 2018: The Hopes of Africa Must Soar with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia

The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia has been nothing short of exciting. We have enjoyed bitter losses, heroic efforts, controversial decisions by the match officials among other dramatic moments that can be expected in such a prestigious tournament. The latter is still yet to catch up with the African teams as 3 of 5 teams have already played their first matches and have already tasted defeat.

First up, it was Egypt. A justifiable reason for their loss was the injured Mohamed Salah, who failed to make it onto to the pitch and wow the fans with his dazzling sprints and his calm and collected goal-scoring ability. The Pharaohs fell to a narrow 1-0 loss at the hands of fellow Group A members Uruguay on matchday 2. This saddened not only the helpless Salah, who was watching from the bench but also the whole continent of Africa who has high expectations on all of the teams participating in this year’s competition.

Morocco’s case was no different. They succumbed to a 1-0 defeat thanks to the well-organized defending of the Iranian team. This might come as a surprise to someone who knows what Benatia’s teammates are capable of. Morocco really had it all in one basket from kick-off. They came to play, and play they did. They dominated the match and barely gave Iran any chance until late on.  What broke the hearts of the hundreds of millions of fans watching the game was the way in which the match slipped out of their hands. An own goal by Bouhaddouz in the 95th minute sealed the victory for a very fortunate Iranian side. At this kind of tournament, you cannot afford to lift your foot off the gas. They were made to pay for their lapse in concentration, and the result will paint a bad picture in the minds and hearts of the fans. That is a lesson learned for them.

Nigeria came in on the third try. They took on Luka Modric’s Croatian side, but their fate was sealed in less than five mins into the match. Playing an opening match can be nerve-wracking, as was the case for Nigeria who looked nothing like the team that put up a fight against England in the friendlies not so long ago. Nigeria looked uncomfortable, unprepared and it was just a matter of time before the Croatians would humble them. Like Morocco, Nigeria conceded an own goal on the 32nd minute before Luka Modric scored a penalty to make it 2-0 to Croatia. Why is it that they lost, you may ask. Because of three main reasons, i.e. nerves, the tactical approach to the match, and a poor performance from the leaders of the team. The coach failed to prepare the team for the game and made some questionable substitutions throughout the 90 minutes. A lot more could be offered by the likes of Mikel, Iwobi, Moses, and Ndidi. Surely, this humbling experience should work as a learning curve for Nigeria and the other two African nations that are still yet to play.

Things are not looking good for Africa thus far at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Not all hope is lost though, with Tunisia and Senegal still yet to play. It piles more pressure on them to do better than the teams mentioned above. Tunisia and Senegal have seen it all by this stage and should be prepared to battle with their lives like Morocco did but cannot afford to drop their concentration levels. Managers have to do their part and select their best players and make sure that they set up in a formation that allows them to contribute to the best of their abilities. Star players have to lead by example and influence the games into their favor. Defenders cannot afford to make costly errors like own-goals in the remaining matches. A big question mark is on how Tunisia will fare without their best player, Msakni, who is missing from the game due to injury. Will they respond to this loss the same way Egypt did without Salah or will they take ownership of the performance and make sure that they will be leading by the time the referee blows the whistle at the end of 90 minutes.

FT World Cup Summary: Heartbreak for Salah- less Egypt as Uruguay snatch late win

African giants Egypt were beaten by Uruguay in their first World Cup match in Group A.

“The Pharaohs” were missing their star player Mohamed Salah, who was expected to start the match but was surprisingly left on the bench by coach Hector Cuper. The coach cited that Salah was not 100% fit hence he didn’t want to risk the player by fielding him as he tries to recover from his shoulder injury.

Jose Maria Gimenez was the man to break the Egyptians’ hearts with a last-gasp winner in a thrilling encounter. His powerful 87th-minute header was enough to finally break through the Egyptian goal after an impressive Mohammed El Shenawy who dominated between the posts for Egypt.

Egypt was very organized during the match, giving Le Celeste a difficult time to penetrate and capitalize on any of their chances.

Barcelona marksman Luis Suarez and PSG forward Edinson Cavani were both kept in check by the North African giant's defense marshaled by Hegazi.

After holding on for almost 90 minutes, Egypt finally succumbed to Uruguay’s persistence. Egypt gave away a needless freekick which allowed substitute Carlos Sanchez to step up and provide a well-delivered cross which was met by the towering Gimenez. By that moment, the game was as good as over as Uruguay held on for the win in the referee’s remaining added time.

Next up for “The Pharaos” is World Cup hosts Russia on Tuesday evening. Many will be pleased to see Mohamed Salah starting the match to fire up the Egyptians in the final third where they were obviously lacking that much-needed spark. Defensively, the team seems to be well disciplined as they were able to minimize the threat of both Cavani and Suarez. Egyptian fans will be content with that part of their team. Keeper El Shenawy also made crucial saves and his height will come in handy for the team in the next couple of matches.

FT World Cup 2018: Africa Has Arrived - Egypt

In the history of the FIFA World Cup, no African team has ever reached the semi-finals. Ghana was agonizingly close in South Africa 2010 but crashed out after Luis Suarez’s heroics in goal, in place for a goalkeeper who was still in the game. Senegal’s Lions of Teranga had a great run in the 2002 finals before losing to Turkey, 1-0 after extra time. Can this year be a historical one for Africa?

Egypt is sweating over the fitness of their star man Mohamed Salah. If they are to have any chance of qualification to the next round, they are definitely going to need the services of the forward who can devastate opponents with his deft touch, exhilarating pace and crisp finishes.

The Egyptian team is in Group A with the hosts, Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The favorites to win Group A are Uruguay led by two attackers in Louis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. They have enough firepower in their ranks to deal away with all their counterparts at this early stage. This might prove enough when they play against the three teams in the group. Egypt will hope to settle for a second-placed finish above Russia, who are the lowest ranking team in the tournament. As much as the hosts will have the fans in their backing, the Russian side has been disappointing in recent years and are likely going to be knocked out very early in the tournament.

The match to watch will be between Egypt and Russia, played on June 19. It has the potential to be the decider of who will make it to the Round of 16. Not much can be said about Saudi Arabia apart from the fact that they are the arch rivals of Egypt. They might cause an upset against the Pharaohs, but that is really far-fetched.

Predicted Standings: Uruguay (1st), Egypt (2nd), Russia (3rd) and Saudi Arabia (4th)

Egypt: Salah builds a $450 000 sewage treatment plant

Will we ever stop writing about Mohamed Salah? The ‘Egyptian King’ has done it again, and this time, it’s off the pitch. News has been shared that the Liverpool forward has paid for the construction of a sewage plant in his hometown costing (USD) $450 000. The plant is expected to supply the village with cleaner and fresh water. Mo’s father was reported to be one of the signatories in commissioning the plant.

The Governor of Gharbia, where Salah’s village is situated spoke his mind on the 25-year-old:

"Salah is a role model to be followed by the youth and he is already loved by millions around the world because he draws happiness on their faces. He is also the best ambassador to Egypt in the world for promoting tourism."

Since the Arab Spring Uprising (2010-2012), Egypt has been on the course of rebuilding its political, social and economic structures and Salah has just contributed to that cause. It’s actually not his first philanthropic work having donated $36 000 to the Egyptian Association of Veteran Players in 2017.

The PFA and Football Writers’ Association player of the year, has enjoyed a stellar 2017/18 season where he has smashed numerous Liverpool and EPL records by scoring at least 45 goals. He is expected to win the EPL golden boot and also tipped to help his club to a UEFA Champions League title triumph when they face record holders, Real Madrid at the end of this month.

Transfers: Premier League clubs on Egyptian “Trezeguet” alert

Mahmoud Hassan nicknamed after the French striker, David Trezeguet, is in the hot red form on loan at the Turkish side, Kasimpasa from Anderlecht. Sources to ESPN informed that Everton, Leicester City, and Burnley have sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old play as the clubs are on the lookout to bolster their attacking options this summer. Hassan has scored 14 goals for Kasimpasa and registered five assists. With one year remaining on his contract, the English Premier League clubs would be very optimistic of landing him for a bargain price.

‘Trezeguet’ was also instrumental in Egypt’s successful world cup campaign, playing on the opposite wing of imminent Ballon d’Or candidate, Mohamed Salah. He will most likely follow his countryman to England, more so if he impresses at next month’s FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia.

Abroad: King Salah gives Egyptians goosebumps

It is true that Mohamed Salah has become the only soundtrack on global media houses’ playlists. But away from all of that and how much we are loving him, we look at what Cairo and Egypt as a country feels about the lad turned King. Reuters TV took a tour and here is what they got:

"Honestly as soon as Salah scores we all feel goosebumps all over our body." Coffee Shop Worker, Sherif Hussein

"Despite not being a football fan, I am very proud of Mohamed Salah. was able to present a very good picture of to the international world. About Egyptians, Arabs, and Islam. He was able to present an image of us elegantly and easily." - Cairo resident, Fatma Saad

"Mohamed Salah is the best player in Egypt and is really representing us. He will be the best player in the world. He is royalty and everyone loves him. Everyone is proud of him. He is making Egypt proud abroad." - Unnamed Cairo Resident

 More than just the endless accolades and records broken, Salah gives a whole nation of more than 90 million people, hope, a sense of pride and fulfillment and other positive feelings best explained the phrase, “he gives us goosebumps.” He just plays football and puts it in the back of the net more often than most at a humble club in Liverpool, Merseyside - but in turn, he gives people more than they could adequately articulate. That’s the amazing power of the game we all love.

Apart from being endorsed as President of Egypt in the recent elections, Salah is leading the race for both England and Europe’s golden shoe having already scored more than Messi and Ronaldo at 45 goals in all competitions.All his current successes and the possibility of him leading Liverpool to a UEFA Champions League trophy presents an exciting prospect of winning the world’s best player accolade (Ballon d’or), breaking Messi and Ronaldo’s ten years of dominance.

Can he win it?

World Cup Rush: Nigeria’s Ighalo picking up form and Elneny injury scare

One of the Super Eagles’ likely striking options at this years’ FIFA World Cup finals in Russia seems to be picking up form just the moment they desperately need him to. Gernot Rohr’s men were criticised for not being decisive or picking out the right passes in the final third over the international break when they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Serbia. The Chinese Super League based, Odion Ighalo stepped up in a huge way over the weekend, scoring four times in Changchun Yatai’s 5-2 win away at Guizhou Hengfeng. He has now found the back of the net, five times in seven matches.

"I have not been lucky in front of goal but today God gave me all the ones that haven't been entering since the start of the season at once." - Odion Ighalo

Meanwhile, Egypt got an injury scare ahead of the world cup finals after Arsenal midfielder, Mohamed Elneny had to be stretchered off their match at home to West Ham United. The North London club has confirmed that Elneny suffered an ankle ligament injury and are hopeful that he would return to action before the season expires.

"We are hoping that Mo will available for Arsenal again this season and we are keeping in regular contact with the Egyptian Football Association."  - Arsenal FC

The 25-year-old midfielder has recently become a favorite in the Arsenal defensive department of the midfield in Arsene Wenger’s last days at the club. He also possesses the ability to charge forward and pick out the right passes or even threaten the goal. He is expected to link up nicely with the PFA Player of the year, Mo Salah, in Russia, for the Egyptian Pharaohs.

West Brom hold on to a 2-2 draw against Liverpool

West Brom are trying to pull another Sunderland, at least the one that survived in the Premier League for so many years but only just. This can be seen by their recent results as they fight to keep themselves in the English Premier League. The club recently defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in a match that was tightly contested. They had the grit to see the result through and they were looking to do the same against Liverpool. But they had little in a match that was dominated by Liverpool in the early periods. Danny Ings who replaced the rested Roberto Firmino opened the scoring for Jurgen Klopp’s team. This ended his goal drought which had lasted for 930 days and dates back to game against Everton which was the last time he had scored. The English forward almost scored a second before the break but his effort was brilliantly saved by Ben Forster. The free-scoring Egyptian, Mo Salah, scored again for Liverpool today to make it 31 Premier League goals. The forward received a pass from Chamberlain before a calm dinked finish over the on-rushing Forster with 18 minutes left in the match. Liverpool probably they had sealed the job before Jack Livermore punished Liverpool for a poor job at defending a corner from the right wing on the 79th minute. Salomon Rondon scored the leveler for The Baggies on the 88th minute from a Chris Brunt free-kick. The game ended 2-2 and means that caretaker boss Darren Moore is still unbeaten after taking over at West Brom. Their survival is hanging on a thread as they are hoping that Crystal Palace lose their next game against Watford. What a sad situation to be in. Do you think they will survive?  

World Cup Rush: El Said joins Finnish side to increase world cup appearance chances

Another Pharaohs striker has joined a Finnish in bid to get some time so they could be available for selection into Hector Cuper’s World Cup squad. Al Ahly forward, Abdallah El-Said has joined Kuopion Palloseura on a two-month loan before his permanent move to Saudi club Al Ahly Jeddah on a two-year deal, come next season.

A Red Devils official, Adly Al Qaie confirmed that the 32-year-old has been allowed to go so as to prove his fitness for World Cup finals commencing on the 14th of June this year. El-Said joins Al Ahly teammate  Amr Gamal who recently left the South African side, Bidvest Wits to complete his loan spell at Helsinki in Finland with the bid to impress for a spot in the Pharaohs World Cup squad.

“Abdallah is a big name and very high-level player, we are happy to have him here. We wish Abdallah good luck and wait for him on the field and believe he will be a key player at the World Cup.”

— KuPS Sporting Director, Konstantin Shipulin

Russia 2018: El-Hadary eyes historical appearance at the age of 45

The Pharaohs veteran goalkeeper, Essam El-Hadary is hopeful of making into the team’s squad for the FIFA World Cup finals to start on the 14th of June in Russia. El- Hadary, 45, would become the oldest player in history to appear in the world cup finals after Faryd Mondragon of Colombia featured against Japan in Brazil in 2014 aged 43 years and 3 days.

"My age is 45 years old, but for me, this is just a number on paper. I train hard every day, I don't know what the word 'impossible' means. I will keep fighting until the World Cup to have the chance to play and defend my homeland colours." - Essam El-Hadary

The Egyptian shot stopper has build his name on the continent, mostly remembered for amazing reflexes, vocal attitude and penalty stops in the Pharaohs’ three consecutive African Cup of Nations triumphs in 2006, 2008 and 2010. He currently plays for Al-Taawoun FC in the Saudi Professional League and did feature a lot in Egypt’s world cup qualifying rounds, most notably in the 2-1 win against Congo Brazzaville that sealed their spot.

When asked about what he thinks of their group stage opponents in Russia, he said;

"All the teams in our group are very strong. Saudi Arabia is an Arabic team and our matches with them will be very interesting, so it will not be easy.Russia will play in front of their fans and in their grounds, and when you talk about Uruguay you talk about an amazing team and big names like Edinson Cavani and Luis Suárez, so it will not be easy at all." - Essam El-Hadary

Even with so much respect for an opponent, we have to know El-Hadary to be a competitor and certainly a winner. June promise to produce nothing but fireworks.

International Friendlies Round II: How did Africa’s world cup five perform?

Tunisia and Morocco made it two wins in two matches after seeing off Costa Rica and Uzbekistan. Tunisia edged the Central Americans 1-0 courtesy of Wahbi Khazri’s goal who also finished the job in Eagles of the Carthage’s 1-0 win over Iran a few days ago. Morocco continued their impeccable form by comfortably beating Uzbekistan by two goals to nothing even after fielding a second-best team. So far they seem to be the favorites to write history for Africa at the FIFA World Cup finals in June but with Spain, Portugal, and Iran in their way to the knockout stages, it is easier said than done.

Nigeria narrowly escaped the onslaught of Lewandowski and friends against Poland, in their 1-0 win but they wouldn’t be so lucky this team. Mitrovic’s brace revealed the Super Eagles’ weakness which might actually be a blessing in disguise for Nigeria as the world urges closer. Salah-less Egypt were humbled 1- 0 by Greece and capped off the international break with no wins in two. Injury-hit Senegal drew 0-0 with Bosnia Herzegovina, finishing the break with only stalemate score sheets.

In the light of these recent events, are you still confident in your world cup team? Let us know in the comments below!

Russia 2018: Africa’s world cup five out to cap off friendlies in style on Tuesday

Nigeria: After snatching a 1-0 win against Poland (sixth-ranked team in the world), away from home, courtesy of a Victor Moses penalty, the Super Eagles will be out to prove their doubters wrong by putting up a more convincing performance against Serbia.

Morocco: The Atlas of the Lions have been a great revelation under Herve Renard and they continued that streak by dominating Serbia in a 2-1 win at home. With their recent performances and the backing of legend, El Hadji Diouf to write history for Africa in Russia, Morocco will be expected to come out on top against Uzbekistan.

Egypt: The Pharaoh's performances against Portugal were not too bad. They fell out by two goals to one, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’ stoppage time brace after Mohamed Salah had opened the scoring. Anyone would tip them to bounce back against Greece.

Tunisia: The Carthage Eagles won hearts with their 1-0 victory over Asia’s surprise package, Iran, who will also face North Africans, Morocco in the June world cup finals. Whether or not they are not they will do the same against the challenge of Costa Rica tomorrow, one would be brave to pick a winner there.

Senegal: The Lions of Teranga shared the spoils with Uzbekistan in 1 -1 draw on Friday in Casablanca. With at least three key players expected to be on sidelines through injury, the Senegal camp will be desperate to show that they have enough depth in their squad to overcome any opponent as they face Edin Dzeko’s Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Abroad: Arsenal tie down Egypt’s Mohamed Elneny

The Gunners and Pharaohs midfielder has signed a contract extension with the club which will see him stay in North London for a “long time.” The length of the contract has not been revealed but Elneny was not shy to share his commitment and focus to the twitter world.

"Officially we will be together for a longer time, in order to reach what we started, and to put Arsenal in its deserved spot in Europe and the whole world." - Elneny

Mohamed joined Arsenal in January 2016 from FC Basel and has since made 65 appearances for the club. He has not featured regularly for the Gunners this season but still remains an integral part of the midfield. He is currently with the Egyptian squad in Switzerland for a series of friendlies in preparation for the FIFA World Cup finals in June, Russia.