Shehata used to receive loads of criticism before the competition, but it looks he managed to establish a decent side despite the shaky performances before the tournament kicked-off.

Most of the current Egypt roster did not enjoy the best of seasons domestically; some were hit by disciplinary problems, while others struggled with lack of form, fitness and regular first team football.

However, it is obvious that a new spirit is driving the team, we can see this in the harmony on and off the pitch.

It was fantastic to see how Amr Zaki sumptuously set up Mohamed Abou-Treika with his first goal of the game during the 3-0 win over Sudan, one couldn't believe that the raging Zamalek striker did not go for goal when he was clear.

I can recall the day Zaki was involved in a rift with Zamalek teammate Gamal Hamza during a league game versus Al-Gaish last September, when the Egypt striker insisted to convert a late penalty, which he subsequently missed.

But it seems now that Zaki is a lot different from the man who had a very chaotic season with Zamalek so far, which also demonstrates that spirit is high in the Egypt camp.

Another example is Ibrahim Saied, the man who is widely known as one of the most controversial players in Egyptian football.

Saied, who played in every game during CAN 2006, does not seem to be having a key role in Shehata's roster this time, but the athletic defender has evidently accepted the coach's decision.

"It doesn’t matter for me who plays, the most important thing is the team winning, my teammates played very well against Cameroon, and if I was there, I couldn’t have done better," he said.

From a technical point of view, the Egypt tactician must be also credited for his selection to the Pharaohs starting eleven.

The CAN 2006 winning squad was boosted by a handful of Ahli players, who were already African champions at club level, but this time around, an exciting mix of Egyptian players are in charge.

It requires a very special coaching ability to keep the likes of Ahmed Hassan and Abou-Treika on the bench, and it worked!

Let's hope the African masters can keep up the good work.