Egypt national football team, also known as Pharaohs, will be making the 23rd appearance in the continental stage.
The record puts the Pharaohs by far the most decorated team in Africa. Their dominance on the continent has seen them win the prestigious competition seven times and made it to the semi final stage on nine occasions. They won the first two editions of the competition.
In Gabon, Egypt will be seeking their eighth title after missing three consecutive tournaments.
In previous competitions, the Pharaohs have been known for their unparalleled team spirit and their ability to win the competition even with a predominantly home-brewed squad.
Coached by Argentinian Hector Cuper, one of the coaches known for producing results, the Pharaohs who are ranked 37th in latest FIFA rankings are expected to go for nothing but glory.
Afcon 2017 qualification
Egypt finished top of Group G with accumulation of 10 points from the six games played in a group that consisted Nigeria, Chad and Tanzania.It was a group that faced unexpected when Chad withdrew from the competition citing financial reasons.
In Gabon, Egypt will face Uganda,Mali and Ghana who are not new to them.Their best form saw them crushing Ghana 2-0 in a World Cup qualifiers match and then held their arch-rivals Tunisia in their Afcon preparations.
Squad overview
Egypt squad is made largerly of home based players basing to the fact that they have the best league in Africa that is so much competitive.
One of the veterans of Afcon will be present at the event, Essam El-Hadary who is one of the best goalkeepers in Africa will be showcasing his skills at a late age of 44.
However there are two other top players that Africa will be watching at the tournament. Arsenal midfielder Mohamed El Neny will be providing the sparks linking the defence and the attack.The youngster is expected to be key in the Pharaohs title chase.
Another player is AS Roma’s forward Mohamed Salah who has been one of the succesful players in modern Egypt.He is rated highly in Italian league, scooping one award after another.In the just concluded season he bagged 22 goals, providing 14 assists thus making him one of the top players to watch on the Egyptian side.
Key player: Ahmed Hegazy
25-year old Al Ahly central defender who has been capped to play for Egypt ‘s under-20 national team, under-23 national team, will be the key player in the squad.
Formely with Italian giants Fiorentina he brings the ball out of defence with much confidence and poise making him one of the best defenders that Africa has ever witnessed in recent times.
Prospects
Egypt are the favorites to go past the group stages without experience much difficulties though they will be facing the most improved team in Africa, Uganda Cranes.
They maybe not the title favourites but they are expected to fight past quarters as they are known for not setting their standards low for any reason and they are expected to go all the way to clinch an eighth African title having missed the past three editions.
Egypt’s final squad is as follows:
Keepers:
Ahmed El-Shennawi (Zamalek), Essam El-Hadary (Wadi Degla) and Sherif Ekramy (Ahly).
Defenders:
Ahmed Dwidar (Zamalek), Ahmed Elmohamady (Hull City, England), Ahmed Fathi (Ahly), Ahmed Hegazy (Ahly), Ali Gabr (Zamalek), Karim Hafez (Racing Club de Lens – France), Mohamed Abdel-Shafi (Ahly Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), Omar Gaber (FC Basel, Switzerland) and Saad Samir (Ahly).
Midfielders:
Abdallah El-Said (Ahly), Amr Warda (Panetolikos, Greece), Ibrahim Salah (Zamalek), Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan (Mouscron, Belgium), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal, England), Tarek Hamed (Zamalek) and Ramadan Sobhi (Stoke City, England)
Forwards:
Ahmed Hassan ‘Kouka’ (Braga, Portugal), Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim ‘Kahraba’ (Ahly Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), Marwan Mohsen (Ahly) and Mohamed Salah (AS Roma, Italy).
