AFCON AFTERMATH;

THE RETURN OF THE PHARAOHS

 

The 31^st edition of the Total African Cup of Nations was one that offered a lot of setups and upsets. Perhaps the tone was already set when a nation like Guinea Bissau, qualified to make their bow at the finals in Gabon, while experienced campaigners like Nigeria had to take a long hard look from home. However, no one would have seen Cameroon’s triumph coming. Moreover, many people would not have expected Egypt to get as far as the final. In fact, Egypt’s run in the just concluded tournament is one to be commended.

Haven won the tournament a record seven times, many would have the feeling that Egypt is a powerhouse, especially on the continent, which is true. However, considering the fact that the North Africans went on a three year exile from the highest level of African football, which incidentally followed their unprecedented treble triumph between 2006 and 2010, the efforts and performances of this young new team in Gabon should be appreciated. Personally, I tipped them to be dark horses in this tournament and the reason is quite obvious; they have been on an upward curve since Hector Cuper took up the reins. The effects of the political  unrest that rocked Egypt as a nation was very telling and this coincided with the exodus of their golden generation that had Mohammed Aboutrika as one of the revered names in that team. Egypt had to contend with and endure some embarrassing moments as they groped in darkness, seeking for a way back. Most notably, the 7-1 pulverization meted out on them by the Black stars of Ghana in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, showed glaringly that the glory days of this illustrious team were long past.

However, Egypt seems to have found a path back to Bethel. The rebuilding of the team is in motion and Egypt is fast returning to the dreadful days of old. Of course, they got into the tournament in Gabon at the expense of Nigeria. They also have an exciting team and the right blend of youth and quality in Mohammed Salah and Arsenal’s Mohammed Elneny, who netted in the final, and, experience in the mould of 43- year- old goal keeper, Essam El Hadary, who was the oldest player at the finals in Gabon, making him the oldest player to partake in the tournament in history. El Hadary who had been on the podium four times has shown his experience. This has also vindicated Cuper, who chose to embrace and stick with such valuable asset where Sunday Oliseh of Nigeria decided to throw it away by side stepping Vincent Enyeama in the qualifiers.

I say this is a great platform to build on. They would now have to worry about the next big thing which would be to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. It is quite alarming that a team that has wielded so much power on the African continent has failed to establish themselves in such a global showpiece, with a paltry two appearances to their name, the last coming in 1990. I have been impressed by their new form and run and already, they have started the race on a good note, and in a group that has Ghana and Mali in the pool. I think Africa would want to take some notice for the Pharaohs are riding back.