There is only one defence line, that is yet to give inn from any sort of a striking force at the ongoing 2017 Total Africa Cup of the Nations, in Gabon.
We are talking about the Pharaohs’ back line, which apparently is the most disciplined, after going through the group phases without conceding a single goal.
It turned out that the Achilles heels of this Egyptian set up is the striking department, contrary to the predictions of many pundits–who attributed the point of kryptonite to the defence.
It’s obvious, the pundits were carried away by the Pharaohs abroad’s big names in attacking department: Mohammed Salah of Roma in Italy, Amr Warda of Panetolikos in Greece, Ramadan Sobhi of Stoke City in England, Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ of Royal Mouscron in Belgium, Ahmed Hassan ‘Koka’ of Sporting Braga in Portugal and Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim ‘Kahraba’ of Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Al Ahly and Zamalek making up the core of the Pharaohs defence
Hector Cúper, named 5 out of 9 players from the 2 Egyptian Premier league giants, Al Ahly and Zamalek.
Defenders
Ahmed Fathi (Al Ahly), Ahmed Elmohamady (Hull City – England), Mohamed Abdel-Shafy (Al-Ahli– Ksa), Karim Hafez (Lens – France), Ahmed Hegazy (Al Ahly), Saad Samir (Al Ahly), Ahmed Dweidar (Zamalek), Ali Gabr (Zamalek), Omar Gaber (Basel – Switzerland).
Against Mali and Uganda, Al Ahly’s Ahmed Fathi started at right back position, Ahmed Hegazy and Ali Gabr of Zamalek partnered in the central defence with Mohamed Abdel Shefy of Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, being the only foreign based player in the set up.
Cúper, only rang a change in the last game of the group stages, against Ghana–replacing Shefy with Hull City’s Elmohamady.
It’s crystal clear, for everyone to see why the Argentine coach prefers Egyptian local to foreign talents–Omar Gabar and Karim Hafez who are yet to make the starting line up.
