A few hours to kick-off. Africa is awaiting the opening of the 32nd edition of the African Cup of Nations (“AFCON2019”) which is held in Egypt, but the question on the minds of all Egyptians: Can we win it again?! Can we do it for an unprecedented 8th time and on home soil? Egypt goes into the opening match as the pre-tournament favourites. Some would argue against that while others’ rating is based on home soil advantage.
Cameroon was supposed to host Africa’s premier football tournament, but due to construction delays and political unrest, Cameroon was stripped of hosting the tournament. Egypt was quick to react and jump on the situation. Bolstering a solid developed infrastructure and a stable political condition, in January 2019, Confederation of African Football (“CAF”) awarded Egypt the hosting rights. Politics and football have always been interlinked. A formula that has always been applied by governments across the world. In Egypt, it has been modus operandi of the previous regime to distract the public opinion and elevate the suffering of the population. In 2019, Egypt needs a distraction, Egyptians are longing for success.
Let’s take a closer look at Egypt’s performances since it last hosted the tournament in 2006.
Country Dressed in Red, White and Black
In 2006, the media propaganda and the government-backing spurred a nation-wide frenzy filled with excitement and enthusiasm. Cairo International stadium was overly packed for every single Egypt match. Families attended, men, women, young boys and girls all wearing the Egyptian flag colours supporting their nation. Flags covered all buildings and cars, all shops and kiosks. For the first time in some time, there was a patriotic and nationalistic sense sweeping the streets of Cairo and many other governorates. Every single family whether they’re into football or not supported Hassan Shehata’s men. They delivered and delivered well. The Egyptian team won six of seven matches, beating Didier Drogba’s Cote d’Ivoire twice along the way to lift Egypt’s fifth continental trophy, amidst widespread exuberant and jubilant celebrations. Other than the unforgettable Cairo stadium scenes, AFCON2006 will also be remembered for Amr Zaki’s 81st-minute header against Senegal in the semi-final, seconds after coming on for Mido, who had an unmemorable and misfortunate live-on-TV spat with national team coach Hassan Shehata. In the final against the Elephants, Abou-Treika sealed the victory scoring Egypt’s last penalty after Essam El-Hadary’s heroics in goal.
Continuous Dominance
In 2008 in Ghana, Egypt came in as defending champions; however, not as favourites, but a 4-2 thumping of Cameroon in the opening group match paved the way for one of the most exciting African Cup of Nations tournaments. The Egyptian streets still buzzing from the 2006 victory, started to reinvigorate the nationalistic feelings and a 4-1 thrashing of Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-finals confirmed the belief that the defending champions are at it again and cannot be written off. None other than Mohamed Abou-Treika again sealed the victory in the final, this time against Cameroon after phenomenal work and superb skill by Mohamed Zidan to retain the trophy and win a record sixth African cup.
The Golden Generation
In 2010, the 27th edition held in Angola which was then coached by Al Ahly legendary coach Manuel Jose. The tournament took place a couple of months after a sour 0-1 defeat to North African rivals Algeria in a harsh and extraordinary play-off that was held in Sudan, which cost the golden generation of Egyptian football a spot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A match that scarred players and fans alike. A day that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons; 18 November 2009; a day that spurred a nation-wide frenzy and rage. In January 2010, Egypt came into the tournament wounded and aching, but against all odds, Egypt went on to win the tournament by winning a third consecutive title and a record seventh continental title – retaining the cup indefinitely. No African nation has ever achieved that feat. Three in a row, three with no defeat. Tournament top goalscorer and best discovery Mohamed Nagy ‘Gedo’ came off the bench to score his five goals, including an 85th-minute beauty against Ghana in the final after a sublime assist from Mohamed Zidan. The Egyptian golden generation rose to the occasion beating African superpowers: Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and none sweeter than a humiliating semi-final 4-0 battering of Algeria. Ahmed Hassan was again the best player of the tournament as was the case in 2006, and El-Hadary continued his goalkeeping domination in the continent.
Three AFCONs without EGYPT
The following three editions of AFCON were shockingly missed by the Egyptian team for various political and coaching and organizational mishaps.
Against all odds
In 2017 though, Egypt returned to the African Cup of Nations in Gabon and it was Egypt’s 23rd appearance in the competition. It was the last ever AFCON to be played in January and the last to be played with only 16 teams. Egypt was placed in Pot 3 and was drawn in a tough group with Ghana, Mali and Uganda, but surprisingly topped the group. Under Hector Cuper, Egypt played a very conservative non-attractive football. After starting with a dull 0-0 draw versus Mali, Egypt went on to win four consecutive matches including three 1-0 wins and a penalty shoot-out victory in the semis against Burkina Faso. The run also included a rare win against another North African rivals Morocco in the quarter-finals. Egypt was through to the final to face arch-rivals Cameroon. Although Elneny drew first blood for the Egyptians, the Pharaohs’ defensive display didn’t last and Cameroon came back to score twice, including a heartbreaking 88th-minute strike by Vincent Aboubakar. This tournament was the beginning of a new era for Egyptian football, a new generation took the baton from the previous golden generation. The young players as Mohamed Salah, Ahmed Hegazi and Mohamed Elneny took over.
Hopes of A Nation
In 2019, there are a lot of similarities to 2006 when Egypt hosted the tournament. The political support, the government backing and the nation’s aroused hope. A generation that is still not of ‘golden’ status, yet it’s the team that took Egypt to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia last summer after a 28-year wait. It is a group that includes Mohamed Salah: a UEFA Champions League winner and best player in Africa two seasons in a row. The 2019 AFCON also carries a lot of similarities to the 2017 version – the team is headed by a foreign coach, Javier Aguirre, albeit with a very different approach than his predecessor. Also, some very precarious omissions/selections to the national team squad, certain unpopular decisions and a dilemma in the goalkeeper position set the same tone. Will the football pitch become the arena where Egypt can show the world its triumphs? Will the support and backing pay off? Can Egypt rule African football again? The upcoming weeks will answer those questions but what’s for certain is that football was and will remain the opium of the Egyptian people. The Egyptians are again resorting to football to be their source of joy and aspiration.
