Your Ultimate Guide to Egypt 2006 African Cup

Egypt Feature Story

Your Ultimate Guide to Egypt 2006 African Cup

by Seif Kamel

Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam, one of the star Egyptian players in the African Cup

Starting next Friday, the 20th of January, and ending on the 10th of February, the African Cup of Nations, Egypt 2006, is considered to be the most important African football (soccer for you Americans out there) tournament in history. This is because all the powerful teams will be playing this time. It is also considered to be one of the most successful tournaments in African history because of what's known about the abilities of Egypt to organize such events.
Here is a guide to the information one needs to know about Egypt 2006, from the schedule of the matches to the analysis of the teams and the competitions. This is an exciting event that has Egypt captivated at the moment. We hope you enjoy and that this information is helpful in keeping up with the action!

Group A

Matches Date GMT timing Stadium
Egypt v Libya 20/01/06 15:00 Cairo Std
Morocco v Ivory Coast 21/01/06 18:00 Cairo Std
Egypt v Morocco 24/01/06 15:00 Cairo Std
Libya v Ivory Coast 24/01/06 18:00 Cairo Std
Egypt v Ivory Coast 28/01/06 17:00 Cairo Std
Morocco v Libya 28/01/06 17:00

Military Std

Egypt


Hassan Mostafa from Egypt with a player from Ivory Coast

The Egyptian team and people have been waiting for this tournament a long time for many reasons. First, the Egyptian team has not qualified for the World Cup in 16 years, and they failed to pass the first round in the last African Cup in Tunisia after a dramatic 1-2 defeat by Algeria, even though Algeria was playing with only 10 players during the second half. Egyptians see the tournament as a chance to improve the image of Egyptian football in front of the world in an in important cup. The Egyptian coach, Hassan Shehata, has been trying to find the magic formula for the team in recent games. However, the team faced two defeats, losing 1-2 to Tunisia and South Africa and the defense seemed very weak. The Egyptians will have to fight much harder to reach their goal, if they want to win the cup. The last time that happened was exactly 20 years ago when Egypt won the African Cup in 1986 in the same Cairo Stadium that will host the final in 2006.

The second reason Egyptians have been waiting for the tournament is to prove to the world that they are capable of organizing such an international event, especially after losing the chance to organize the 2010 World Cup to South Africa. All the stadiums have been renovated and the tournament press center is ready for all the journalists. Also, the Television Association is ready to cover the tournament, broadcasting by satellite to over 6 billion people all around the world. It's now the role of the people to show the best image of Egypt by attending the matches and supporting the teams playing in the tournament. The question is, will Egypt show its real color in Egypt 2006 or not?!

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Essam Al-Hadary (Ahly)
Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed (Zamalek)
Mohamed Abdul-Monsef (Zamalek)

Defenders:
Ahmed Al-Sayed (Ahly)
Wael Gomaa (Ahly)
Mohamed Abdul-Wahab (Ahly)
Ibrahim Said (Zamalek)
Tarek Al-Sayed (Zamalek)
Ahmed Fathi (Ismaili)
Abdul-Zaher Al-Saqqa (Konyaspor, Turkey)

Midfielders:
Mohamed Shawki (Ahly)
Mohamed Barakat (Ahly)
Mohamed Abou-Treika (Ahly)
Hassan Mostafa (Ahly)
Ahmed Hassan (Besiktas, Turkey)
Hosni Abd-Rabou (Strasbourg, France)
Ahmed Eid Abdul-Malek (Harras Al-Hodoud)

Strikers:
Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam (Tottenham, England)
Emad Moteb (Ahly),
Abdul-Halim Ali (Zamalek)
Hossam Hassan (Masry)

Amr Zaki (ENPPI)


Tarek El Taib

Libya

This team qualified for the African Cup for only their second time in history. The first time was in 1982, when they hosted the finals and lost against Ghana 6-7. They qualified for Egypt 2006 after finishing the qualifiers as the fourth in Group C after Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Egypt.

Libya was always considered the weakest team in North Africa. They have never qualified for the World Cup or won any African title.

Libya's biggest goal is to reach the second round. Even that dream seems difficult because they will be playing against Egypt, Morocco, and Ivory Coast. However, with players like Tarek El Taib, one of the best Libyan players ever, and Ahmed El Masly, the best Libyan striker now, Libya might perform the miracle and qualify for the second round.

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Luis Alejandro Ruben
Meftah Ghazalla
Samir Abboud (Ittihad)

Defenders:
Younes El-Shebani
Essam Ragab (both Olympic)
Walid Osman
Osama Hamady
Naji Shushan
Mahmoud Makhlouf (all Ittihad)
Omar Dawood (JS Kabyle, Algeria)
Mady EL-Ftouri (Al Hilal)

Midfielders:
Gehad El Montasr (Triestina - Italy)
Nasser Saleel
Marei El-Ramli (Ittihad)
Abdessalam Khamies
Marwan Mabrouk (Both Olympic)
Nader Al Tarhoni (Sailiya, Qatar)
Khaled Hussien (Al Nassr)
Tarek El Taib (Gaziantepspor, Turkey)
Ahmed Saad (Ahli Tripoli)

Strikers:
Salem Rewani
Nader Karra
Ahmed El Masli (all Ittihad)
Zuway Ahmed (Ahli Benghazi)


Yousef Higy from Morocco

Morocco

Morocco will fight as never before in Egypt 2006. This is because they have a very organized, talented and fast team. Other than that, Morocco was very close to winning the last African cup but they lost against Tunisia in the final. They were also close to reaching the World Cup in Germany in 2006 but they were again not able to win against Tunisia, who tied them 2-2 15 minutes before the end of the match. Of course, the Moroccan fans were very upset at losing two important games against Tunisia and not achieving anything, when they believed they were the better team in both matches.

Morocco has never won the African Cup. On the other hand, Morocco has a great history in the World Cup. They were the second African team to qualify for the World Cup in 1970 and they were the first team to reach the quarter final in 1986, where they lost against Germany 0-1 in the last 10 minutes of the match. Morocco did not reach the World Cup the last two times.

Bado El Zaki, the most famous Moroccan goal keeper and the coach of the team now, asserted that Morocco will make a good showing at Egypt 2006. The players believe that it is their last chance to achieve a tournament after losing the chance to qualify for the world cup. Players like Youssef Hajji, Noureddine Naybet, Hicham Aboucherouane, and Mustapha Chippo will play a great role for Morocco in Egypt 2006. If these players appear at their best, Morocco may very well have a successful match.

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Tarek Jarmouni (FAR Rabat)
Mustapha Chadli (Moghreb Tetouan)
Nadir Lamyaghri (Wydad Casablanca)

Defenders:
Noureddine Naybet (Tottenham/England)
Talal Karkouri (Charlton/England)
Abdeslam Ouadou (Rennes/France)
Houcine Ouchela (FAR Rabat)
Oualid Regragui (Racing Santander/Spain)
Badr Kadouri (Dynamo Kiev/Ukraine)
Noureddine Kacimi (Grenoble/France)

Midfielders:
Youssef Safri (Norwich/England)
Mohcine Kharja (AS Roma/Italy)
Hafid Abdessadek (FAR Rabat)
Mustapha Chippo (Ouakra/Qatar)
Mohamed Madihi (Wydad Casablanca)
Amine Rbati (Ouakra)

Strikers:
Mouha Yacoubi (Osasuna/Spain)
Jaouad Zairi (Sochaux/France)
Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux/France)
Ali Boussaboun (Feyenoord/the Netherlands)
Hicham Aboucherouane (Lille/France)
Mohamed Armoumen (Kuwait/Kuwait)
Youssef Hajji (Rennes)

Didier Drogba

Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast has one of their best football teams these days. They were able to play very well in the matches during the qualifiers and finished first, ahead of two strong African teams: Cameroon and Egypt. However, we would have to point out that without Egypt getting a draw against Cameroon in their last match, Ivory Coast would have not qualified for the World Cup in Germany. Ivory Coast was able to achieve a similar surprise for their fans in 1992 when they won the African Cup in Senegal. Either way, the elephants, as they are called in Africa, are considered one of the most powerful teams in the African Cup.

Didier Drogba, the Chelsea star, had a great part in Ivory Coast reaching the World Cup and becoming a team that everyone fears. There is also the talented Aruna Dindane, who plays for the French team Lens, and Kolo Toure, the strong defender in the lineup. The question is, will these star players be at their best in the African cup or will they save themselves for the World Cup? A player like Didier Drogba, for instance, will not risk getting injured in Egypt and risk his career. Ivory Coast is a very strong team though, and they played a wonderful, friendly match against Italy. However, I don't think that they will show their real faces in Egypt 2006, or at least not in the beginning.

Team Honors
One-time winner of the African Nations Cup (1992)

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Jean-Jacques Tizie (Esperance/Tunisia)
Gerard Gnanhouan (Montpellier/France)
Boubacar Barry Copa (Beveren/Belgium)

Defenders:
Cyril Domoraud (Creteil/France)
Blaise Kouassi (Troyes/France)
Abdoulaye Meite (Marseille/France)
Etienne Arthur Boka (Strasbourg/France)
Kolo Toure (Arsenal/England)
Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal)
Marc Andre Zoro (Messina/Italy)

Midfielders:
Siaka Tiene (St-Etienne/France)
Didier Zokora (Saint-Etienne/France)
Emerse Fae (Nantes/France)
Gilles Yapi Yapo (Nantes)
Kanga Akale (Auxerre/FRA)
Romaric N'Dri Koffi (Le Mans/France)
Guy Roland Demel (Hamburg/Germany)
Gnegneri Yaya Toure (Olympiakos/Greece)

Strikers:
Aruna Dindane (Lens/France)
Bakari Kon (Nice/France)
Didier Drogba (Chelsea/England)
Arouna Kone (PSV Eindhoven/the Netherlands)
Bonaventure Kalou (Paris Saint-Germain/France)

Group A Analysis

This is the most difficult group to analyze, because it contains Egypt with the largest number of fans. Some Africans call the Cairo Stadium "The Scary Court", because all the Egyptian fans will support their team from the first second through to the end. On the other hand there is Morocco, which will not lose easily under any circumstances and they will be a strong opponent in any match they play. Also, if Ivory Coast lets loose with their best players, many of the other teams will be in trouble. On the other hand, Libya is the weakest team and will probably go nowhere. They will maybe play some interesting matches but I very much doubt that they will reach the second round. My personal opinion is that it will be Egypt and Morocco who will climb to the second round.

Group B


Matches Date GMT timing Stadium
Cameroon v Angola 21/01/06 15:00 Military Std
Togo v DR Congo 21/01/06 18:00 Military Std
Angola v DR Congo 25/01/06 15:00 Military Std
Cameroon v Togo 25/01/06 18:00 Military Std
Angola v Togo 29/01/06 17:00 Cairo Std
Cameroon v DR Congo 29/01/06 17:00

Military Std

Samuel Eto'o

Cameroon

Although they lost their chance to qualify for the World Cup when they failed to beat Egypt in their last match, Cameroon will always be predicted to win the title. They won the African Cup four times in the past, and they know that if they win Egypt 2006, they will be the first team in history to win the African Cup 5 times.

Cameroon has every weapon they need to win, with players such as Samuel Eto'o, who was nominated as one of the best three players in the world in 2005. "Cameroonians were so disappointed by our World Cup failure and now the pressure is on to deliver the Nations Cup. We have to conquer Africa," says Eto'o. Cameroon also has one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Idris Kameni, who plays for Espanyol. This group will be very easy for Cameroon and they will surely pass to the second round and at least finish as one of the best four.

Team Honors
Three-time winner of the African Nations Cup (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002)

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Idriss Carlos Kameni (Espanyol, Spain)
Pierre Ebede Owono (Panathinaikos, Greece)
Souleymanou Hamidou (Denizlispor, Turkey)

Defenders:
Benoit Angbwa (Alaves, Spain),
Thimothee Atouba (SV Hamburg, Germany)
Armand Deumi (FC Thun, Switzerland)
Raymond Kalla (Sivasspor, Turkey)
Rigobert Song (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Jean Hugues Bilayi Ateba (PSG, France)
Andre Bikey (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Midfielders:
Geremi Njitap (Chelsea, England)
Jean II Makoun (Lille, France)
Achille Emana (Toulouse, France)
Daniel Ngom Kome (Murcia, Spain)
alomon Olembe (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
Alioum Saidou (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Eric Djemba Djemba (Aston Villa, England)

Strikers:
Rudolph Douala (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal)
Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona, Spain)
Guy Feutchine (PAOK Salonika, Greece)
Albert Meyong Ze (Beleneses, Portugal)
Pierre Boya (Partizan Belgrade, Serbia)
Achille Webo (Osasuna, Spain)


Emmanuel Adebayor

Togo

For the most part, the Togo team has mostly been trying its best to avoid humiliating defeats in Africa. However, this time, they not only reached the African Cup, but they also reached the World Cup in Germany. No one, not even the team's coach, Stephen Keshi, thought they would do so well. The Hawks didnt qualify for the last African Cup in Tunisia, but this time they qualified as the first team in a group that included Senegal. By the way, Togo was able to win against Cameroon in 2000 in the first round. Emmanuel Adebayor is the most important player in Togo, as he scored 11 goals of the 22 goals Togo scored in the qualifiers. He is now the star of Monaco in the French league.

Togo has never reached the second round of the African Cup, though they have qualified for the first round five times. However, this time it could all be different considering the strength they have been showing lately.

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Kossi Agassa (Metz/France)
Safiou Salifou (Dyto)
Ouro Tchanirou (Djoliba/Mali)

Defenders:
Dosseh Yaovi Abalo (Dunkerque/France)
Zanzan Attey-Oudeyi (Lokeren/Belgium)
Dare Nimombe (Mons/Belgium)
Eric Akoto (Admira Walker/Austria)
Emmanuel Mathias (Esperance/Tunisia)
Gafarou Mamam (FC 105/Gabon)
Massamasso Tchangai (Sporting Benevento/Italy)
Ludovic Assemoassa (Clermont Foot/France)

Midfielders:
Kaka Aziawonnou (Youngs Boys/Switzerland)
Junior Yao Senaya (YF Juventus/Switzerland)
Cherif Toure Mamam (Metz)
Moustapha Salifou (Brest/France)
Adekambi Olufade (Al-Siliyah/Qatar)
Alaixis Romao (Louhans Cuiseaux/France)
Gouyazou Kassim (Douanes)

Strikers:
Abdelkader Cougbadja (Sochaux/France)
Emmanuel Adebayor (Monaco/France)
Mikael Dogbe (Bani Yas/United Arab Emirates)
Alirou Ahoudou (Douanes)
Cougbadja Sherif (Concordia Ihrhove/Germany

Angola


Akwa

Angola is more known for their basketball, though of course football remains the favorite sport. They won the Basketball African Nation Cup eight times and qualified for the World Cup and the Olympics. Football is another story. They have only reached the African Cup twice, but never achieved a single victory. Angola was able to reach the World Cup for their first time in Germany 2006. Therefore, Egypt 2006 is a good chance for the team to show how well prepared they are.

Paulo Figueiredo is the most famous player of Angola and has been with the national team since 1998, scoring 31 goals in 67 international matches. "The Nations Cup offers us a great opportunity to show off Angolan football. We want to prove to the rest of the continent that there is a lot more to our country than just war and poverty," Akwa said. Nevertheless, it will be very hard for Angola to win the African Cup, but they could book a ticket to the second round with Cameroon. However, they will face great difficulties from Togo and DR Congo.

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Goliath (Sagrada Esperanca, Angola)
Joao Ricardo (unattached)
Lama (Petro Atletico, Angola)

Defenders:
Delgado (Primeiro Agosto, Angola)
Jacinto (AS Aviacao, Angola)
Jamba (AS Aviacao, Angola)
Kali (Santa Clara, Portugal)
Lebo-Lebo (Sagrada Esperanca, Angola)
Loco (Benfica Luanda, Angola)
Marco Abreu (Poritimonense, Portugal)

Midfielders:
Andre (Kuwait SC, Kuwait)
Edson (Pacos Ferreira, Portugal)
Figueiredo (Varzim, Portugal)
Gilberto (Ahly, Egypt)
Mendonca (Varzim, Portugal)
Miloy (InterClube, Angola)
Ze Kalanga (Petro Atletico, Angola)

Strikers:
Akwa (Al Wakra, Qatar)
Andre Titi Buengo (Clermont Foot, France)
Flavio (Ahly, Egypt)
Love (AS Aviacao, Angola)

Mantorras (Benfica, Portugal)

Maurito (Al Wahda, United Arab Emirates)

DR Congo

Lomana Lualua

DR Congo won the African Cup in 1968 and in 1974 in Egypt. They even reached the World Cup once. However, because of civil wars and poverty, the team is not as strong as before.

It will be very hard for them to survive in Egypt 2006, especially against two teams that qualified for the World Cup, as well as one of the match favorites, Cameroon, in their group Furthermore, their two best players, Shabani Nonda and Lomana LuaLua, most probably will not participate in Egypt 2006, the first one because of an injury and the second because of problems with his English team Portsmouth.

However, Lualua might end up playing in the cup. The best result that Congo has had in the last five tournaments was finishing third in 1998 in Burkina Faso, but it will be very hard for them to achieve this again in Egypt 2006 Team Honors
Two-time winner of the African Nations Cup (1968, 1974)

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Francis Chansa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Pascal Kalemba (Telestar, Gabon)
Tampungu Dikete (Umtata Bush Bucks, South Africa).

Defenders:
Gladys Bokese (Daring Club Motema Pembe)
Herita Ilunga (St Etienne, France)
Tshimalanga Kabundi (TP Mazembe Englebert)
Christian Fuanda Kinkela (Amiens, France)
Mayasisilwa Lubanzadio (SC Cilu)
Cyrille Mubiala (Ajax Cape Town, South Africa)
Dituabanza Nsumbu (AS V Club)
Tshinyama Tshiolola (Ajax Cape Town, South Africa)

Midfielders:
Ngasanya Ilongo (Daring Club Motema Pembe)
Jean-Paul Kamudimba (Grimsby Town, England)
Ngandu Kasongo (TP Mazembe Englebert)
Franck Matingou (Bastia, France)
Zola Matumona (AS V Club)
Tresor Mputu (TP Mazembe Englebert)
Mbuta Mbala (Yverdon, Switzerland)
Marcel Mbayo (Sakaryaspor, Turkey)
Mutamba Milambo (Le Havre, France)

Strikers:
Lomana LuaLua (Portsmouth, England)
Blaise Mbele (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Kabamba Musasa (Istanbulspor, Turkey)

Group B Analysis

Cameroon will almost certainly advance to the second round in Egypt 2006. They even have a chance of making it into the final. The second round could be a great war between Angola and Togo. The match between Angola and Togo would be the most important match of this group, as its going to be the last match of the two teams.

Group C


Matches Date GMT timing Stadium
Tunisia v Zambia 22/01/06 15:00 Alex Std
South Africa v Guinea 22/01/06 18:00 Alex Std
Zambia v Guinea 26/01/06 15:00 Alex Std
Tunisia v South Africa 26/01/06 18:00 Alex Std
Tunisia v Guinea 30/01/06 17:00 Alex Std
South Africa v Zambia 30/01/06 17:00 Alex Std 2

Tunisia

Hatem Al Trabolsy

It is predicted that Tunisia will end up on top of this group. The team hasnt changed a lot since they last won the Cup in their land in 2004. Lemerre, the Tunisian Coach, has an advantage that most Africa coaches do not.

The players of this team have played more than four years with each other and the line up of Tunisia is very strong. They even appear to be more prepared than in 2004, and all but two of the stars from the victorious 2004 team, Mehdi Nafti and Imed Mhadhebi, will play in Egypt 2006. Tunisia lost in the final in 1965 and 1996 but they won the last final in 2004 against Morocco 2-1.

Tunisia is also the only powerhouse team from Africa to qualify for the World Cup in Germany. Hatem Trabelsi is the main star in Tunisia. He wasnt able to participate a lot in the last tournament in 2004 because of an injury, but now he is ready. There is also Radhi Jaidi, the strong defender, and Santos, the Brazilian player who became a Tunisian national only a few years ago and was able to attribute to their victories. The team will be very hard to beat in Egypt 2006 and they are ready to defend their crown.

Team Honors Won in 2004

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Ali Boumnijel (Club Africain)
Khaled Fadhel (Erciyesspor/Turkey)
Hamdi Kasraoui (Esperance)

Defenders:
Hatem Trabelsi (Ajax/Holland)
Radhi Jaidi (Bolton/England)
Anis Ayari (Samsunspor/Turkey)
Karim Saidi (Feyenoord/Holland)
Issam Merdassi (CS Sfaxien)
Karim Hagui (Strasbourg/France)
Jose Clayton (El Qatari/Qatar)

Midfielders:
Chawki Ben Saada (Bastia/France)
Adel Chedli(Nuremberg/Germany)
Kais Ghodhbane (Samsunspor)
Sofiane Militi (Vorskla Poltava, Ukraine)
Jawher Mnari (Nuremberg)
Slim Ben Achour (Guimares/Portugal)
Riadh Bouazizi (Erciysspor)
Hamed Namouchi (Rangers/Scotland)

Strikers:
Amine Eltaif (Esperance)
Zied Jaziri (Troyes/France)
Haikel Guemamdia (Strasbourg)
Issam Jomaa (Lens/France)
Silva Dos Santos (Toulouse/France)

Zambia


Collins Mbesuma

Zambia didnt appear in the last African Cup in Tunisia, but now they are ready to play in the Egypt 2006 games. Egypt holds great memories for Zambia, as it was in Egypt 20 years ago that Zambian coach Kalusha Bwalya played in his first Nations Cup finals and was able to score a great goal against Cameroon.

The problem is that most of the players of Zambia are not playing in Europe like other teams. They play in the domestic national league in Zambia which is rather weak. Collins Mbesuma might not be a star in the English league where he plays now. However, he is considered the most famous player in Zambia. Egypt 2006 will be his first chance to achieve something for his country's national team.

Andrew Sinkala and Laughter Chilembi are two older players who will also help the team. Some may believe that Zambia appears as a strong team, as they did in 1994 when they lost in the final against Nigeria. However, the mission this time is much harder. I think their best efforts could advance them to the second round.

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
George Kolola (ZANACO),
Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, South Africa)

Defenders:
Clive Hachilensa (Free State Stars, South Africa)
Misheck Lungu (Primeiro Agosto, Angola)
Joseph Musonda (Free State Stars, South Africa)
Billy Mwanza (Lamontville Golden Arrows, South Africa)
Kennedy Nkethani (ZANACO)
Elijah Tana (Petro Atletico, Angola)
Mark Sinyangwe (Green Buffaloes)

Midfielders:
Ian Bakala (Primeiro Agosto, Angola)
Isaac Chansa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
James Chamanga (Umtata Bush Bucks, South Africa)
Rainford Kalaba (Nice, France)
Chris Katongo, Felix Katongo (both Jomo Cosmos, South Africa)
Numba Mumamba (ZANACO), Clifford Mulenga (?grate, Sweden)
Lameck Njovu (Lusaka Dynamos)
Andrew Sinkala (FC Cologne, Germany)

Strikers:
Harry Milanzi (Primeiro Agosto, Angola)
Collins Mbesuma (Portsmouth, England)
Jacob Mulenga (Chateauroux, France)

Dube Phiri (Red Arrows)

South Africa

Sibusiso Zuma

I might normally think that South Africa would accompany Tunisia to the second round. However, failing to qualify for the World Cup and the fact that they had difficulties even qualifying for the African Cup has their fans worried. They lost 4 matches of the 10 they played in qualifiers. Egypt 2006 will be a real test for the Bafana Bafana. Nevertheless, in 1996 they won the cup and in 1998 they lost in the final against Egypt 0-2. In 2000 they lost in the semi final. In 2002 they lost in the second round.

2004 was their worst performance still when they left the tournament in the first round. This is why there are many question marks about the team, especially since they will organize the World Cup in 2010. Obviously they should have a strong team. Clearly they disappointed their fans by not qualifying for the current World Cup.

The players of the team will try their best to win their second title in Egypt. With players like Zuma, the team captain, and McCarthy, the smart striker, South Africa will play some good games in Egypt 2006, but their coach, Dumitru, has a lot of hard work ahead of him if they expect to win this cup. South Africa, with some extra efforts, should be able to pass the first round. Team Honors
One-time winner of the African Nations Cup (1996)

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Moneeb Josephs (Ajax Cape Town, SA),
Calvin Marlin (SuperSport United, SA),
Avril Phadi (Jomo Cosmos, SA)

Defenders:
Siboniso Gaxa (SuperSport United, SA)
Pierre Issa (OFI Crete
Greece), Ricardo Katza (SuperSport United, SA)
Mbulelo Mabizela (Valerenga,Norway)
Tshepo Masilela (Premier United, SA)
Vuyo Mere (Mamelodi Sundowns, SA)
Jimmy Tau (Kaizer Chiefs, SA)

Midfielders:
Mlungisi Gumbi (Lamontville Golden Arrows, SA)
Joseph Makhanya (Orlando Pirates, SA)
Siyabonga Nkosi (Bloemfontein Celtic, SA)
Daniel Tshabalala (Orlando Pirates, SA)
Simphiwe Tshabalala (Free State Stars, SA)
Elrio van Heerden (FC Copenhagen, Denmark)
Benedict Vilakazi (Orlando Pirates, SA)

Strikers:
Benni McCarthy (Porto, Portugal)
Lebohang Mokoena (Orlando Pirates, SA)
Katlego Mphela (SuperSport United, SA)
Nkosinathi Nhleko (Viking Stavanger, Norway)
Siyabonga Nomvete (Orlando Pirates, SA)

Sibusiso Zuma (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany

Henri Camara

Guinea

The fans of Guinea would love to go back to the good old days during the '70s when their famous club team, Hafia, won the African Cup 3 times. However, since then, the football team has not performed well.They were able to reach the semi-final in 2004 and they played strong matches in the qualifiers of this tournament, which is why they would be a hard opponent for any team. I don't think that Guinea has a chance to win the African Cup this time, but reaching the second round would be a very good step, especially with all the powerful teams present in Egypt 2006.

Pascal Feindouno is the most famous player on the team, even though no longer captain. Their first match against South Africa is the most important step to reach the quarter final, but most spectators do not believe they will move beyond the first round.

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Issoufou Sawadogo (EFO/Bur)
Mohamed Kabore (ASFA/Bur)
Kadre Kontogomde (USFA/Bur).

Defenders:
Boureima Ouattara (RCB/Bur)
Madou Dossama (EFO/Bur)
Soumaila Tassembedo (EFO/Bur)
Brahima Cisse (Jendouba/Tur)
Ousmane Traore (Valencia/Spa)
Lamine Traore (Anderlecht/Bel)
Firmin Sanou (Valencia/Spa)
Mamadou Tall (Bursa Sports/Tur).

Midfielders:
Amadou Toure (ASFA/Bur)
Ali Ouedraogo (EFO/Bur)
Narcisse Yameogo (Jeanne D'Arc/Sen)
Romeo Kambou (Bani Yas/Kuw)
Jeannot Bouyain (Planete-Champion/Bur)
Issa Zongo (Satellite FC/Ivc)

Strikers:
Oumar Barro (Brondby/Den)
Wilfried Sanou (Fetirol/Aut)
Tanguy Barro (RCB/Bur)
Moumouni Dagano (Genk/Bel)
Alassane Ouedraogo (FC Cologne/Ger)

Group C Analysis

Tunisia has the best chance to advance from this group because of how well the team is organized and settled in together. The second choice is very hard to predict, though if South Africa makes it past Guinea, they might have the best chance.

Group D


Matches Date GMT timing Stadium
Nigeria v Ghana 23/01/06 15:00 Port Said Std
Zimbabwe v Senegal 23/01/06 18:00 Port Said Std
Ghana v Senegal 27/01/06 15:00 Port Said Std
Nigeria v Zimbabwe 27/01/06 18:00 Port Said Std
Nigeria v Senegal 31/01/06 17:00 Port Said Std
Ghana v Zimbabwe 31/01/06 17:00 Ismailia Std

Nigeria

Obafemi Martins

On the Nigerian team, it is usually the players themselves who are their own worst enemies. This team has the talent and the ability to be one of the most powerful teams in Africa and the whole world. However, sometimes, they can turn into real losers with big egos. Jay-Jay Okocha was the most important player in Nigeria, but now it is Obafemi Martins who played for a number of European clubs such as Inter Milan.

He has the ability to score from anywhere in the field and against any defense. On the other hand Okocha still has his magic and will add much to the team. Nigeria will probably reach the second round, but they will have to fight in order to achieve this with teams such as Ghana and Senegal in the group. If it goes well with the Eagles they might even win the cup, but with Nigeria it's usually very hard to predict.

Team Honors
Two-time winner of the African Nations Cup (1980, 1994)

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Dele Aiyegnuba (Enyimba)
Austin Ejide (Etoile Sahel, Tunisia)
Vincent Enyeama (Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv, Israel)

Defenders:
Joseph Enakarhire (Dinamo Moscow, Russia)
Obinna Nwaneri (Esperance, Tunisia)
Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
Taye Taiwoo (Olympique Marseille, France)
Joseph Yobo (Everton, England)

Midfielders:
Yusuf Ayila (Dinamo Kyiv, Ukraine)
Sani Kaita (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands)
Garba Lawal (Iraklis, Greece)
Paul Obiefule (Viborg, Denmark)
John Mikel Obi (Lyn Oslo, Norway)
Christian Obodo (Udinese, Italy)
Austin Okocha (Bolton, England)
Wilson Oruma (Marseille, France)

Strikers:
Julius Aghahowa (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine)
Nwankwo Kanu (West Brom, England)
Stephen Makinwa (Palermo, Italy)
Obafemi Martins (Inter Milan, Italy)
Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy)
Peter Odemwingie (Lille, France)

John Utaka (Stade Rennes, France)

Ghana

Essien

Although Ghana has won the title four times before, they missed the last African tournament in Tunisia during 2004. However, the team gave their fans good compensation by qualifying for the World Cup in Germany 2006 for the first time. They even have realistic hopes of winning their fifth African title in 2006. The last time Ghana won the title was 24 years ago in 1982.

Their opening match with Nigeria will be one of the most interesting matches of the first round. However, Ghana has everything needed to pass Nigeria. With Essien, Africa's most expensive football player, absent because of an injury, the captain of Ghana, Stephen Appiah, will need to exert a lot of efforts to prove he is one of the better mid fielders in all of Africa. He can expect some help from Matthew Amoah, scorer of some key goals in the qualifying matches. Thanks to the perfect management of Dujkovic, their team coach, the team now has come together.

The question is, will the players have the same goal as their coach and win the cup? The team will face a lot of hardships in Senegal and Nigeria. Team Honors
Four-time winners of the African Nations Cup (1963, 1965, 1978, 1982)

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Sammy Adjei (Moadan Sport Ashdod, Israel)
George Owu (AshantiGold)
Philemon McCarthy (Feyenoord, Ghana)

Defenders:
Yakubu Abubakari (Vitesse Arnhem/Holland)
Issah Ahmed (Asante Kotoko)
Aziz Ansah (Asante Kotoko)
Francis Dickoh (FC Nordsjaelland/ Denmark)
Daniel Edusei (Egaleo/Greece)
Samuel Osei Kuffour (Roma/Italy)
Emmanuel Pappoe (Hapoel Kfar Sava/Israel)
John Painstil (Hapoel Tel Aviv/Israel)
John Mensah (Cremonese/Italy)
Hans Sarpei (VfL Wolfsburg/Germany)

Midfielders:
Stephen Appiah (Fenerbache/Turkey)
Baba Adamu (Krylya Sovietov Samara/Russia)
Godwin Attram (Al Shabab/Saudi Arabia)
Haminu Dramani (Red Star Belgrade/Serbia & Montenegro)
Laryea Kingston (Krylya Sovietov Samara/Russia)
Hamza Mohammed (Real Tamale United)

Strikers:
Louis Agyemang (Kaizer Chiefs/South Africa)
Matthew Amoah (Borussia Dortmund/Germany)
Joetex Frimpong (Enyimba/Nigeria)
Prince Tagoe (Hearts of Oak)

Senegal

Hadji Diouf

Senegal is a team with considerable experience and talent. They should really not have lost their chance to play in the World Cup of 2006, especially after their great performance in the World Cup of 2002. The team has what it takes to move on to higher levels in Egypt 2006. Just like Nigeria and Ghana, Senegal has much going for the team, but getting past the first round might be their real challenge, considering the group they were fated to play in. There is no more famous player in Senegal than Hadji Diouf, who plays in the English premier league.

The player was banned for four international matches when he abused a referee. The fans of Senegal football believe Diouf can do anything and can score goals whenever he wants. Henri Camara, after scoring 7 goals in the qualifiers, will be a great help to the team as well. Most people predict that Senegal will not even survive the first round, not because the team isnt good enough but because the group they are in is the most powerful one in the cup. However, with Senegal, nothing is predictable. Who would have dared to say that Senegal would beat France in the first match of the World Cup 2002, but they did it.

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Mamadou Diouf (Jeanne D'arc, Senegal)
Tony Sylva (Lille, France)
Cheikh Tidiane Ndiaye (Rennes, France)

Defenders:
Ferdinand Coly (Parma, Italy)
Habib Beye (Olympique Marseille, France),
Papa Malickou Diakhate (Nancy, France)
Lamine Diatta (Olympique Lyon, France)
Guirane Ndaw (Sochaux, France)
Boukhary Drame (Paris St Germain, France)
Omar Daf (Sochaux, France)
Souleymane Diawara (Sochaux, France

Midfielders:
Issa Ba (Chateauroux, France)
Pape Bouba Diop (Fulham, England)
Amdy Faye (Newcastle United, England)
Frederic Mendy (St Etienne, France)
Dino Djiba (Metz, France)
Abdoulaye Faye (Bolton Wanderers, England)

Strikers:
Rahmane Barry (Lorient, France)
El Hadji Diouf (Bolton Wanderers, England)
Diomansy Kamara (West Bromwich Albion, England)
Mamadou Niang (Olympique Marseille, France)
Momar Ndiaye (Metz, France)
Souleymane Camara (Nice, France)
Henri Camara (Wigan, England

Zimbabwe

Peter Ndlovu

After finishing last in their group in the last African Cup in Tunisia in 2004, Zimbabwe is not expected to do much better this year. Unfortunately, they are in the strongest group, and for the second consecutive time, they find themselves in a group containing three African football sharks. For Zimbabwe, reaching the African Cup for the second time is a good record in itself.

However, they dont have the ability to trouble any of these other teams. Peter Ndlovu, with considerable talent, is still the key player in Zimbabwe. There is also France-based striker Benjani Mwaruwar, who missed Tunisia 2004 because of injury. He will play in the Egypt 2006 games for the first time in an Africa Cup. Nevertheless, for Zimbabwe to reach the second round would be a miracle for them.

Team Lists:

Goalkeepers:
Energy Murambadoro (CAPS United)
Tapuwa Kapini (Highlanders)
Gift Muzadzi (CAPS United)

Defenders:
James Matola (Buymore)
Dumisani Mpofu (Bushbucks, South Africa)
Zvenyika Makonese (Santos/South Africa)
George Mbwando (Jahnregensburg/Germany)
Charles Yohane (Wits University/South Africa)
Cephas Chimedza (Germinal Beerschot/Belgium)
Bekithemba Ndlovu (Silver Stars/South Africa)

Midfielders:
Edelbert Dinha (Orlando Pirates/South Africa)
Esrom Nyandoro (Sundowns/South Africa)
Tinashe Nengomasha (Kaizer Chiefs/South Africa)
Joel Lupahla (SuperSport/South Africa)
Edzai Kasinauyo (Moroka Swallows/South Africa)
Francis Chandidia (Buymore)
Lloyd Chitembwe (CAPS United)
Ronald Sibanda (Amazulu)

Strikers:
Benjani Mwaruwari (Portsmouth, England)
Peter Ndlovu (Sundowns)
Shingirai Kawondera (unattached)
Brian Badza (CAPS United)
Gilbert Mushangazhike (Jiangsu Shuntian/China)

Group D Analysis

It would be very hard for anyone to predict which of the three teams, Ghana, Senegal, or Nigeria, will reach the second round. Each could pull it off. Their should be a real war and the most interesting battle of the first round, but Ghana and Nigeria are expected to pass to the second round.

Quarter-finals


Matches Date GMT timing Stadium
First A v Second B (Match 1) 03/02/06 17:00 Cairo Std
First C v Second D (Match 2) 03/02/06 13:00 Alex Std
First B v Second A (Match 3) 04/02/06 17:00 Military Std
First D v Second C (Match 4) 04/02/06 13:00 Port Said Std

My predictions are as follows:

Egypt v Angola
Tunisia v Nigeria
Cameroon v Morocco
Ghana v South Africa

The semi Final


Matches Date GMT timing Stadium
Win Match 1 v Win Match 2 07/02/06 17:00 Cairo Std
Win Match 3 v Win Match 4 07/02/06 13:00 Alex Std

My Predictions are as follows:

Egypt v Tunisia
Cameroon v Ghana

Line up match

Matches Date GMT timing Stadium
Losers in semi finals 09/02/06 16:00 Military Std

Final match


Matches Date GMT timing Stadium
Winners in semi finals 10/02/06 16:00 Military Std

My Predictions are as follows:

Egypt v Cameroon (as it happened 20 years ago in 1986 and Egypt won the cup)

Finally, the African Cup has become an important attraction for football fans all over the world. It is the third most important tournament after the World Cup and the European Cup. Soccer fans shouldnt miss it. You still have the chance to book your trip and get tickets. Don't miss the action in the Egypt African Cup 2006.