Clash of the giants, Episode one: Egypt – Cameroon

January 23rd, 2010 | by: Tamim | Comments(38)

As much as people consider our clash against Cameroon as a golden opportunity for the “indomitable” Lions to take revenge for their world cup exit and the two defeats of 2008, as much as I see it as a chance for our boys to prove that they are still the champions of this continent even in the absence of the stars and the world cup flop.

It is a game where each side has its own goals to achieve and only the 22 players with the help of lady luck will determine who will go further in Angola 2010.

The ongoing talk about Egyptian superiority and a Cameroonian complex against Egypt is all nonsense; one thing for sure is that if we assume that technically and talents speaking both teams are equal, the Cameroonians has the advantage of being psychologically professional, meaning that they can get over a defeat or a victory quickly and become 100% focused on what follows, unlike ourselves when we come out from a victory, we become over confident and maybe cocky; especially, if it is a weak team we are going to play against next.

In other words our 7 goals, 9 points and experts’ praise on one side, their defeat against Gabon, sloppy victory against Zambia or hard fought draw against a brave Tunisia on the other side can all go to the trash bin if we aren’t well prepared for a fierce football battle against the boys in green.

Egypt – Cameroon has always been a classic in the African football scene that never failed to provide entertainment and excitement for fans all over the continent; a clash that could have been postponed to later and more advanced stages if it hasn’t been for some vague CAF regulations.

But let’s deal with it, if we are to win this cup or even achieve our primary objective of reaching the semi-final, we will have to beat them fair and square; on the other side, the Cameroonians didn’t wish for a rematch, or at least for now but they will play for their pride; a victory for either sides will not only put them in the semi-final but will send strong messages to the winner from Algeria or Cote D’ivoire (whom we shall know by Sunday) as well as the rest of the teams.

The beauty of Egypt – Cameroon is that it brings together two different styles of play; the Cameroonians unlike other west African teams play football for football, meaning that they focus on the techniques and skills more than physical playing and unlike other teams also, they play with passion; we on the other side play the tactical and more organized football that doesn’t lack the touch of beauty coming from highly talented players who enjoy a special chemistry among them as a result of having the luxury of organizing long preparation camps, not to mention that they are already familiar with each other from their league encounters.

The game in hand shall not be an exception to this rule, goals are expected and in large numbers; the stakes are high and motives are varied but that would only push both teams to score more.

For neutrals, a goals’ festival is very likely and entertainment is guaranteed.

Cameroon

Team roster

1 Idriss Carlos Kameni (Espanyol)
2 Gilles Binya (Neuchâtel Xamax)
3 Nicolas N’Koulou (AS Monaco)
4 Rigobert Song (Trabzonspor)
5 Aurélien Chedjou (Lille)
6 Alexandre Song (Arsenal)
7 Landry N’Guémo (AS Nancy)
8 Geremi (Newcastle United)
9 Samuel Eto’o (Internazionale)
10 Achille Emana (Real Betis)
11 Jean Makoun (Lyon)
12 Henri Bedimo (Châteauroux)
13 Somen Tchoyi (Red Bull Salzburg)
14 Paul Alo’o (Nancy)
15 Pierre Webó (Mallorca)
16 Souleymanou Hamidou (Kayserispor)
17 Mohammadou Idrissou (SC Freiburg)
18 Eyong Enoh (Ajax)
19 Stéphane Mbia (Marseille)
20 Georges Mandjeck (Kaiserslautern)
21 Joel Matip
22 Guy N’dy Assembé (Valenciennes)
23 André Bikey (Burnley)
Coach: Paul Le Guen

If we had to play against the Cameroon team of Gabon and Zambia’s matches, I would have been less anxious but as I said, this is a team of true professionals who once the game is finished, like computers, they delete it from their memory and go on as if nothing happened and the face they showed against a good Tunisian side who was eager for victory and coming back two times from a first minute goal and another own goal demonstrates the quality of this team.

But technical wise, their defense sucks, their midfield is ok and their attack line is lethal, quick and surely capable of scoring goals.

Scoring early goals is of less significance because they can simply jump back; however, if Alexander Song, Idrissou and Eto were kept under control, 70% of Cameroon’s weapons are sabotaged.

They are mainly a very young team with so many promising talents that has future ahead of them; at the same time, they don’t lack the experience in the presence of the elder Song, Geremi and Eto.

They have a decent coach who previously lead Lyon and other French teams to glory (unlike last tournament’s miserable Otto pfistar); he has made a reshuffle in the team after the first two disappointing displays against Zambia and Gabon, giving the old names a break and fielding more youngsters.

Their coordination in defense as well as between the keeper, Kameni, and the defense line is terrible and they are just as equal to Mozambique in scoring own goals and that were we should capitalize on.

Their attack depends on short and fast passes, Crosses on Idrissou’s head and opening space for Eto and those coming from behind to shoot on goal.

Egypt

Aside from the tactics, psychological preparation should be on the top of Shehata and his staff’s priorities for this game; the players must understand that they have done nothing yet and that the Cameroon that will show up against them is a totally different Cameroon that played in the group sage and that there Is nothing called Egyptian upper-hand against Cameroon; they must take it seriously and enter this game as underdogs not as favorites.

Having done that, winning the midfield battle should be the second topic on Shehata’s list; fortunately for him, Hosni Abd Raboh is slowly returning to form, Ghaly still has something to prove; while, Ahmed Hassan is on fire this tournament; Shehata also has the option of using Ahmed Fathi in midfield to take advantage of his excellent defensive abilities while putting Mohammadi with his speed in the right flank.

Alexander Song, just like what happened with Mikel of Nigeria, should be strictly man marked; pressure on the player carrying the ball is essential not only for gaining possession and putting away danger but to beat the Cameroonians psychologically in the game.

In defense, Gomaa will have to do his regular shore of man marking and disabling Eto while Fathallah will have to deal with Edrissou and his headers.

Depending on Hani Said’s state on the match’s day, he can use a sweeper or an extra midfielder in front of Gomaa and Fathallah; but most importantly, the gap between Fathallah and Moawad should be closed and time and space should never be given to Cameroonian speed on the flanks.

After experimenting in Benin’s game, Shehata is most likely expected to return to his conventional 5-3-2 formation with Zidan and Meteb up in attack with the support of Ahmed Hassan and one of the two wingers.

We need to force our play on the opponents and show stubbornness and determination; especially at the beginning, in an attempt to convince Eto and co. with the defeat; our strength stems from our total compact football, short passes game as well as our fast counter attacks.

Continuous pressure on their defense can do wonders; ask the Tunisians and Zambians about that, the players are young and the game may prove too big for them to handle; especially in the beginning when everyone is still going through the first nervous minutes of the game with its shiver and tenseness.

In the second half, we can use cards like Shikabala, Geddo and Ahmed Eid who are all capable of turning the game upside down to our favor anytime with their high individual skills if they were given enough space and support from their team mates.

Probable formation

…………………….…….El Hadary………………………
Mohammadi (Fathi)….Gomaa…H Said….Fathallah…..Moawad
……………….Ghaly (Fathi)………….. Hosni … …….
………………………..… Ahmed Hassan …………………….
……………………… Zidan …..….Meteb……………………

The match

If we manage to keep a clean sheet in the first half, then we can play for our chances in the second after the Cameroonians become more stressed as the end of the 90 minutes approaches.

Both teams know each other very well, so caution and vigilance of the opponent will prevail at the early minute of the game; however, if a moment of individual brilliance could break the rhythm, the game will become open and goals will start to pour.

In case of extra time, our players are well rested and more physically fit for it unlike a tired Cameroonian side that had to play till the last minute against Tunisia and change cities from Lobango to Benguela.

Key battles

Gomaa vs. Eto: the Egyptian “rock” dominated Inter Milan’s star in Ghana 2008, will he be able to continue this trend?!!

Fathallah – Moawad vs. the killer Gap: the Nigerians used it to core their goal and formed a constant source of irritation to us until Shehata noticed it and brought Abdel Shafi in to close it; now Fathallah and Moawad will have to do it on their own.

Egyptian players vs. Ego: I only hope they are 100% focused and play with the underdog mentality.

Kameni vs. El Hadary: two of the tournament’s best keepers, who will prove more worthy for his team?

Hosni vs. Alexnder Song: a battle that will say a lot about the outcome of this game.

Prediction: from now on, there will be no predictions; only hopes and wishes that we do our best and win!!

When: Monday 25/1, 16:00 GMT

Where to watch: here

YALLA YA MASRAWYA………….SHEDO 7ELKO SHWYA!!

YA RAB