The national football team of Egypt under the leadership of Hassan Shihata has managed to realize a new great victory, as the Pharaohs of Egypt proved their mettle and tamed Indomitable Lions of Cameroon defeating them 1-0. The Pharaohs thus won the most prestigious continental trophy and denied four-time champions Cameroon the opportunity to equal their record.

The history registered new accomplishment in Egypt's football march as the Egyptians captured the prestigious continental trophy in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006 and 2008. Several victories, as a matter of fact, are awaiting the national team which can realize such victories through commitment and tactics to be shown at 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, to be held in South Africa.

The most important thing here is to be qualified to the 2010 championship, as this generation will be catapulted to world fame after the absence of 18 years. However, all such aspirations will not be attainable unless the door is opened before professionalism. This, actually, will not be attained overnight; rather it needs more efforts and more dedication on the part of the national team players.

By Amr Al-Dardir
"Al-Ahram"

13 / 2 / 2008