The 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) will mark the return of the most successful side in the competition, Egypt, after a long gap of seven years. The Pharaohs last made it to the finals of the AFCON in 2010 when they captured the title for the third time on the trot.
Egypt have qualified for the finals of the AFCON a record twenty-two times and have won the title a record seven times. However, a bad run for the national side coupled with the political crisis of the Arab Spring Port Said stadium disaster which was the country’s biggest disaster in their football history and a decline in the income for top clubs saw the country fail to qualify for the 2012, 2013 and 2015 finals.
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However, this time under the tutelage of Argentine Hector Cuper, known for his time with Spanish club Valencia where he took the club to back-to-back Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001, the Pharaohs have qualified for the finals in Gabon. Egypt’s history in the competition itself makes them one of the favourites and the management staff and players have been vocal about their desire to lift the coveted trophy.
The final 23-member squads have been announced and Egypt have a good group of players, including a few with European pedigree, who can propel the side to national and personal glory.
Here, let us take a look at the 5 players to keep an eye out for in the tournament.
#5 Essam El Hadary
The soon-to-turn 43-year old goalkeeper is not just one of the oldest players in football, but he will also become the oldest player to play in the history of the AFCON if he starts in a game for Egypt. The previous record is held by fellow Egyptian Hossam Hassan who set the record in 2006 when he played for the Pharaohs at 39 years of age.
The veteran goalkeeper was a part of Egypt’s consecutive triple win in 2006, 2008 and 2010. Hadary remains an integral part of the side’s quest for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification and is nearing 150 caps for the country. It will be interesting to see whether he breaks the oldest player record at the AFCON along with how good he remains at this age in a major tournament.
#4 Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan
The 22-year old midfielder, who primarily plays on the left wing, Mahmoud Hassan is commonly known as “Trezeguet”, although he does not have any footballing resemblance to the French great David Trezeguet.
The Egyptian spent a season-long loan at Belgian side Anderlecht before making the loan move permanent in the summer of 2016. He was subsequently loaned to Belgian side Royal Excel Mouscron playing in the first division as well, for this season.
The winger has been an important part of the national side with his time in Belgium serving him well to both improve as a player and also to showcase his skills. While not as accomplished as some of his counterparts, his pace and quality will prove a valuable asset for the Pharaohs.
#3 Ramadan Sobhi
The second-youngest player ever to play for Egypt at the age of 17 years, 11 months and 18 days behind former Tottenham striker Mido, Ramadan Sobhi is one of the finest talents to emerge from the Gift of the Nile.
Despite his age, Sobhi played over 70 games for Egyptian club Al Ahly and scored 17 goals en route to Egyptian Premier League wins in 2014 and 2016. His performances resulted in a lot of interest from Europe before English club Stoke City paid a fee that could rise to £5m for his services.
Primarily a winger, Sobhi played a crucial role in the deciding qualifier last march against Nigeria, when he assisted Mohamed Salah’s equaliser late in the second-half and followed that up by scoring the only goal in the return leg to beat the Super Eagles.
His pace, dribbling and youthfulness can offer a dash of inspiration in a tough tournament and his is the name to be remembered for a long time.
#2 Mohamed Elneny
The first of the two famous Egyptians in Europe, Elneny signed for Arsenal last January after winning four consecutive league titles with Swiss side Basel. Although a defensive midfielder, he possesses the skill set to play across central midfield, with his energy, passing and timely runs a valuable asset for any side.
He has so far been a good squad player for Arsenal and has some way to go before becoming a more rounded player and staking a claim in the starting XI.
His multi-role skill set makes him an immense player for the national side though along with the talent and European experience he brings with him. He will be a crucial part of manager Hector Cuper’s plans and has recently received praise from the assistant coach Osama Nabih who told Nogoum FM Radio Station,“Fans judge the player only when he has the ball but not when he is performing other functions without it.
“This is more important to us. Elneny is an amazing player, always closing gaps and completing the needed tasks during games.”
#1 Mohamed Salah
Undoubtedly the best player for Egypt and one of the best African players in Europe, Mohamed Salah carries the Egyptian hopes on his shoulders. The 24-year old brings with him a wealth of experience from playing for top clubs across Europe such as Basel in Switzerland, Chelsea in England and Fiorentina in Italy.
He currently plays for Italian club Roma and is having a stellar season with the club. He has scored eight goals so far this season and nineteen goals in all competitions in 2016. His performances have seen him be named the Roma Player of the Year for 2016.
His importance to the national team has been emphasised by Egypt’s assistant coach Osama Nabih who spoke to Nogoum FM Radio Station and said,“Using Salah’s potential helped attract opponents more to him, thus giving more space for a player like Trezeguet to shine. And even when opponents are focusing on Salah he always manages to score goals and represent Egypt’s offensive power.”
Blessed with blistering pace, goalscoring ability and creativity, Salah is the main man for Egypt in the AFCON and all eyes will be on him as the tournament starts.
