Preview: Egypt entertain Benin as Nigeria eye knockouts

الأربعاء، 20 يناير 2010 - 11:39

كتب : Omar AbdelAziz

تدريب منتخب مصر

Group C leaders Egypt take on the Squirrels of Benin in a game to spare for the African Cup of Nations holders, while Nigeria close in on quarter-finals berth as they meet Mozambique.

After securing top spot in the group, Egypt boss Hassan Shehata is likely to experiment new faces against the outsiders, who have a slim chance of making the last eight.

An unlikely victory over the champions, coupled by a narrow win for Mozambique over Nigeria in Lubango would astoundingly take Benin to the quarters.

On the other hand, an anticipated victory for the Super Eagles would see them cement their position as group runner-up.

Egypt

"A few players will get their chances against Benin. We will probably make three or four changes," said Shehata.

Team News: Sweeper Hani Saied did not train with the team on Tuesday due to a knock, and is unlikely to be risked.

Mohamed Zidan and Ahmed Eid are still struggling with flu, while veterans Wael Gomaa and Essam Al-Hadari could well be rested.

The likes of Abdul-Zaher Al-Saqqa, Hossam Ghaly and Ahmed Al-Mohammadi could get starting roles.

Star man: Skipper Ahmed Hassan has been tremendous so far, the Ahli midfielder is set to equal Hossam Hassan's record as Egypt's most capped player.

Player to watch: Supersub Mohamed Nagi 'Geddo' is on fire at the moment.

Benin

"We have not given up yet because we still have a match to play and if we get the results we wish for, we could still remain in the tournament. We will fight till the end," said French manager Michel Dussuyer.

Team News: Benin will dearly miss influential midfielder Stephane Sessegnon through suspension.

Star man: Pacey striker Razak Omotoyossi is the only Benin player likely to cause a threat on Egypt's goal.

Player to watch: Guingamp midfielder Mouritala Ogunbiyi.

Nigeria vs. Mozambique

Nigeria

"We lacked confidence against Egypt in our first game but were much more relaxed when beating Benin and I believe we will deliver an even better performance on Wednesday," said Nigeria star Peter Odemwingie.

Team News: Nigeria captain and key defender Joseph Yobo has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with a hamstring injury.

But striker Obafemi Martins has recovered after a shin operation and could boost the attack.

Star man: Yakubu Aiyegbeni is Nigeria's target man.

Player to watch: The skilful Odemwingie is a constant threat on the flanks.

Mozambique

"We still have a chance to qualify for the quarter-final. If we beat Nigeria, we will reach the quarter-final. Mozambique are here to show that we exist in international football after 12 years out of the competition. The world has now seen that we play football in Mozambique and against Nigeria, we will again show what we are capable of on the pitch," said Mambas boss Mart Nooij.

Star man: Veteran striker Tico-Tico surely has something to prove in what could be his last game in Mozambique's colors.

Player to watch: Young Panathinaikos midfielder Simao is a key figure in midfield.

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