The opening match of the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations have begun. Eleven of the previous editions have been won by the host country, Egypt and it would be no surprise if that happened again this time – in fact, a lot of Egyptians would be outraged if it did not. Home support has helped spur the Pharaohs to victory on the three of the four precious occasions that they staged the continent’s gala event, and this time they have one of the world’s best players, one Mohamed Salah. Pressure? Sure, but Salah and the rest of Egypt’s players are used to coping with that.
That bit about ‘the rest of Egypt’s players’ is important, because whereas the team that reached last year’s World Cup were set up by the then-manager Hector Cuper to defend to the max and channel all attacks through Salah, this side, under Javier Aguirre, are more committee and rounded attackers. They do not just rely on Salah to do the damage – players such as Trezeguet, Kouka, Mohsen and Soliman are all capable of tormenting opposing defences. And given that Egypt’s own defence is prone to occasional creaking, the Pharaohs like to stay on the front foot. The crowd in Cairo today expect and demand if not a goal spree, then at least concerted and relentless offence.
All of which means Zimbabwe have a big challenge on their hands. But Sunday Chidzambwa’s men got here by topping a testing group – finishing above two Congos and Liberia thanks notably to a smart counter-attacking victory in Kinshasa. Their ambition will be to spring something similar today to claim their first win in the Africa Cup of Nations since 2006 – the last time it as hosted in Egypt.
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