March 26, 2009
Egypt coach Hassan Shehata believes the opener of the World Cup qualifiers final phase will be difficult regardless of Zambia’s caliber.
“Beginnings are always difficult,” Shehata told the Egyptian FA official website on Thursday.
“Our match against Zambia will largely determine how we would fare in the qualifiers.
“A win will give us a boost in morale before we take on other opponents.”
The Pharaohs, who aim the reach the World Cup for the first time since 1990, open their C campaign against Zambia at Cairo Stadium on Sunday.
The group also includes Egypt’s rivals Algeria and minnows Rwanda.
Shehata, who led Egypt to back-to-back Nations Cup triumphs, warned his side against underestimating Zambia.
“Zambia deserve our respect. They are a very good team,” the 59-year-old concluded.
Egypt scored 13 goals in the first round of the qualifiers including 8 goals against Djibouti. The Pharaohs won 5 and lost only once to the Flames of Malawi at Chichiri Stadium in a group also had DR Congo.
Saudi Arabia based striker Emad Meteab is the leading striker with 28 international goals in the current squad with Wigan striker Ahmed Zaki second on 25 goals.
In the 6 matches played in the 1st round, Meteab scored 3 goals while Zaki scored 2 on level with Mohamad Aboutrika, skipper Ahmed Hassan and super sub Ahmed Abdelmalki.
At home, the Pharoahs came from a goal down to snatch late wins over DR Congo and Malawi. Both games ended 2-1.
Note this: They have conceded 2 goals at Cairo international stadium.
Meanwhile, The Egyptian national side had to change their Thursday training session venue from the Arab Naval Academy to Semouha Stadium.
The Pharaohs’ Wednesday training was marred by clashes between sections of the attending fans, who took their fight to the pitch.
Players and technical staff were forced to halt their session and interfere to end the clash.
Assistant coach Hamada Sedki told FilGoal.com that the team arranged for their Thursday training to be held at Alexandria Stadium.
Meanwhile, striker Emad Meteb trained with the team on Thursday after the player’s arrival from Saudi Arabia where he plays for Ittihad.
And in another related news Egypt goalie Essam Al-Hadari played down injury fears as he confirmed that he is ready to face Zambia in next week’s World Cup qualifier.
The 35-year-old missed Sion’s recent league defeat to Aarau with a muscle problem, and fears were raised over his fitness.
“The recent injury is not worrying, I feel much better now and I am ready to play,” Al-Hadari told FilGoal.com.
“I can’t wait to represent Egypt in such an important game.”
Al-Hadari has been Egypt’s first-choice guardian throughout Hassan Shehata’s ongoing reign at the helm of the African champions.
Egypt will kickoff their final qualifying phase against Zambia on Sunday, before facing Algeria and Rwanda midway through 2009.
82 Comments on "Shehata: Zambia game will be difficult"
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Alex on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 12:03 AM
Tukaminaya ma pharaoh. Shihata where? Zambia chipolopolo weelee!
Nsomba on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 12:10 AM
We should not fear going to pharaohs they might be the source of civilisation as we know it .But I believe we as Zambians with the right frame of mind can conquer any body on the continent .I think its time we took it upon ourselves to stop being in the shadows of the north and west Africans and qualify for the 2010 world cup
soccer pundit on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 7:57 AM
zambia should just play the game.underating zambia would be a mistake tho egypt stand chance of winning.
LELO LELO on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 8:08 AM
Ati Ba Zambia, makula ayo. Be braced for a thorough hiding on sunday evening. Minimum score Egypt 4, Zambia 0. Uulefwaya tubeche.
Vincent Numbwa on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 8:24 AM
Lelo lelo, notwithstanding the fact that you have rights to express your opion your comments really sucks! I cant believe you are a Zambian, pliz be on this blog even on monday coz Iam sure you will be very disapointed that Zambia will come out tops.
unza po on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 8:33 AM
we should understand one thing and one thing alone….this will be avery tough match, however the attitude of the boys will determine their fate.in life when things are tough you have to believe you can do it…before the match there will be a lil prayer said by unza po
FIFA on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 8:43 AM
Egyptians coach is only good at beating teams with Famous European based stars like cameroon,Ivory coast,etc.The coach really struggles to play teams without big stars ,take a look at how they struggled with Malwai or Dr Congo.Sorry to say but Zambia now falls in the group of small teams.With this in mind Our chances are high of stopping the Egyptians from getting 3 points
chamwe kaira on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 9:13 AM
I repeat my starting eleven: Mweene: Back 4: Chintu, Lungu, Musonda, Nyambe. Mid: Kalaba, Willaim, Felix, Chris. Strikers: Jacob and Singuluma.
Amuna Onzuna on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 9:22 AM
We have to be mindful of their Captain Ahmed Hassan,he is the one who has engineerined Zambia’s downfall in all matches we have lost(Remember the 1998 Afcon in Burkina Faso the 4-0).But anyway,that was then,now it will be a different ball-game & its time to revenge.Our troops have to be prepared in mind & not be intimidated.We can DO IT.
Mabbwana on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 9:34 AM
It will be a tight match. There is no room for error on our part if we are to get a result in Cairo. Our players should concentrate from the start to the final whistle.
The tide is definitely on the Egyptian side. Thats whats most likely going to give them the complacency which will give us the advantage.
Lets go Chipolopolo.
Mulayantanda on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 9:39 AM
I don’t understand why people are so pessimistic. Remember the ball is round and can roll anywhere… let wait and see
FIFA on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 9:41 AM
@Mabbwana
Yes I agree with you,what will go us good is concentration and alertness,we just need that
Abdul Salaam Rahman on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 9:51 AM
Hey my brodas. Whats up? Cant wait for sunday.
Veep on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 9:58 AM
My tempers are very near, i make alot of mistakes at work, and just this morning, i hit someone’s mark II from behind i did not realise he had stopped at mandahill robots. anyway, its one of those days of moody. My secondary school days, i always missed dingo each time there was a home soccer match.
This game will be a test to our lads, ask Mr Liwewe, he will tell you that he has been to the pyramids before and playing Pharaohs in their backyard is not an easy thing to do, lets just wait and see.
At this stage, i can predict my starting eleven
————-Mweene————
Musonda–Kampamba–Banda–Nyambe
———–Kasonde—————
Kalaba—–Katongo C——-Katongo F
——————-Tembo———
——–Mulenga——————
Subs
Kakonje – Mweene
Mayuka – Tembo
Singuluma – Mulenga
Lungu – Kasonde
Njobvu – Katongo F
My scoreline 2-2, Fwayo scores the first goal while Kalaba equalise in last 15min of the second half.
SHEHATA, HERE WE COME!!!!!
Veep on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 10:05 AM
I forgot Mbola E for Nyambe
Don Pedro on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 10:12 AM
Where will you guys watch the game from?Can not wait for sunday.This game will not be won in 90 minutes.Its is before it starts and whoever masters enough mental strength and right tactical approach will carry the day.
FIFA on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 10:14 AM
@Veep
2 2 sounds good and real
saks swazi on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 11:24 AM
You are zambian.
saks swazi on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 11:33 AM
Together with yo brother ‘abdul’,you are prophets of doom.But you will be dissapointed big time.
Georgia Russia on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 11:34 AM
Just interracted with some relatives to some of our players in the national team.age cheating is there and am told by reliable sources that collins mbesuma is 35 years old and rainford kalaba is 29.i nw knw y collins form has gone down age has caught up with him
Veep on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 12:16 PM
I once ask KAJIYA, the father to Collins, he too indicated to that effect. Yes age cheating is there. There are forms we submit for each player to faz (esp from amateur), there, we don’t write age or NRC#, we simply say, ‘student’. and these are player you see today playing. We know alot, it will imbalance us on day. Its up to FAZ.
FIFA on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 12:17 PM
@Georgia Russia
Thats witch hunting
FIFA on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 12:19 PM
@Georgia Russia
George Russia ,I appreciate your contribution but always remember that on a field of play ,there are no old and young players but there could be good and bad players.
supa striker1 on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 1:01 PM
i think i support is veep who predicted a 2all result, you are right my brother if it wont be a win at there home ground.football of name and achevement of past years is long gone, especially where local players are used.Dnt forget what happened to chelsea and manchester united last saturday, it can happen to egypt as well men!
nsomba on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 1:15 PM
If mbesuma is ten years younger than kalu as you guys are saying where was he when people like Dennis lota were playing I honestly do not believe mbesuma is 35 you are actually saying that this guy was 19 when the national team died in 1993 and had no talent what so ever at the age of 19 to be playing in any youth side infact any side in luanshya or the copperbelt. I am 29 myself and I have a friend who is my age Sydney sinkamba is year younger than me who was born and raised in luanshya he played for konkola blades on the copperbelt and for a lot of othe teams on the copperbelt and he has categorically stated mbesuma was a very young boy in 1993 if he is age cheating its not by ten years he has told me this guy (mbesuma) was probably 10 or 11 when my friend Sydney sinkamba joined had come down to lusaka dyanamos for trials am not going to sit hear and say there is no age cheating but definitely not by ten years remember 70% of Zambia’s population is under the age of 35 .And if any thing has lead to this guys poor form its one thing and one thing only and that is luck of discipline
Muzo on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 1:25 PM
Dropping chansa was a big blunder!!!
I hope this doesnt come back to haunt this frenchie. I think William Njobvu,though a good player, is not able to match up to Abouterika
CHISUMA on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 1:53 PM
Mbesuma is twenty five years old he was in the same class as my cousin in Luanshya who is twenty five years old as well. He told me all mbesuma wanted to do was play football he had no interest in school. Problem with him is indiscipline its not age so thats a lame excuse. Look at Ryan Giggs he is going on 36 years but is currently in the running for player of the year. He has outshown Rooney and Ronaldo who are much younger. As somebody said its attitude. Even if one is 35 or 29 but has the right mindset he can play on just like great Kalu. So its no age necessarily your legs slow down as you grow older but thats when you play with your brain.
Magic on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 2:01 PM
Hey Guys, the hour is nigh. We will soon go into battle. I wish the boys well.
Sibs on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 2:22 PM
George Russia i think your topic is off dude. These guys are not playing for the U-20’s. Why not talk of the game on Sunday. Lets remain positive & not emit negative vibes. By the way some of the players check on Zedfoot.com. Come on man be Positive!!
chamwe kaira on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 2:23 PM
We say the Nigerians reduce, their ages but the play longer than our players. Kanu is still playing, Okocha played for a long time, Etoo is been playing for a long time, while do doublt age cheating is there, our players are insdisplined too. They have no long term focus. The moment they make a little bit of cash, they go crazy.
Mabbwana on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 2:24 PM
Lets stop this age cheating talk, I am trying to concetrate on the Egypt game and you are disturbing my focus.
We all know that our players in Africa are much older than they claim. Lets sort this out after the game.
Vincent Numbwa on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 2:45 PM
Age topic aweeeee!!! not this time please. Lets talk about positive things ba George ku Russia ba kamba ilyashi lya myaka telyo.
We are talking about our senior team that is open to all age groups provided one is a Zambian and has the skill needed for the job. Even the Bible says every thing has time, it is not in our best interest to be discusing our players age cheating when awaiting this big game that will probably decide our destine with regards to SA 2010.
Uncle Bobs on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 3:01 PM
Ba Muzo, like Sweet V says let’s talk about Sunday, not having Chansa won’t change anything as he’s not better than Ahmed Hassan et al. So whether William or Chansa makes no difference. Just go back and watch how poorly the same Chansa performed with his new hair style at the last AFCON at the back-drop of a wonderful performance against SA in Cape albeit the send off.
For all guys with funny player blames (Sinks,Sichone,Chansa etc) if we lose, prepare for a counter-attack as Liwewe would put it, from me. The team we have is good enough to get whatever result we get. Infact we should forget about those dinosaurs that have been dropped or not picked and move forward.
VIVA HR i like brave men like you, though you will still be accountable for the result. You have my support in the team you have picked. Counter claims will just be respected as opinions and only that!!!
spaks on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 3:12 PM
We collect the ball deep in our own area, Kasonde pumps one high up in the air collected by Christopher katongo a double one two with felix as we enter into the D zone he dribbles 1 2 and lets lose to singuluma he fires its a goaaaaaaal singuluma singuluma the Egyptians dont know what has hit them yayayayaya!! Zambia Zambia Zambia [that would have been Ba Liwewe sure] no more such commentires these days ala bwafya
Zambia Fan in Atlanta on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 3:25 PM
We just can’t afford to give up an early goal. The last thing we need is for Egypt to withdraw into defense. I also don’t want to see any wasteful long balls from the defense. We need to play the ball from midfield with short accurate touches. Zambia can score! I think this is some of the best collection of footballing talent in a long time. Go boys!
supa striker1 on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 3:41 PM
spaks i like that man!
chileshe mukunta on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 3:55 PM
my brother, you should know that football is not about big names.those days of playing football by names is long gone,its 50 50 big and 90 minutes counts. watch the game.
chipolopolo and zambia for life big.
KK11 on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 5:39 PM
Zamfoot, why is my post “awaiting moderation”?
mahmoud on Fri, 27th Mar 2009 7:00 PM
hey guys
i am egyptian
i want to say something
zambia is a good team, but actualy its not like cameroon or ivory coast,
and we defeated both of them 4-0, do u remmember?
so i hope to see good match between egypt and zambia…
thanks
Luapula Fish on Sat, 28th Mar 2009 1:12 AM
Mahmoud
Thanx for your good record keeping but dont forget the early and last pages in the time chart.
we have beaten Egypt before in cairo (4-1) and South Africa (3-1)
Monk police on Sat, 28th Mar 2009 6:45 AM
My prediction for arguably our toughest encounter in the 2010 WC qualifiers. It will be 1-0, either in Egypt’s favour or ours. Go Zambia GO !!!!!!!!!!!