Debutant Abd-Rabou Inspires Egypt Victory

Hosni Abd-Rabou continued his splendid displays in the 2008 African Cup of Nations despite making his first appearance in the Dark Continent's premier competition.

كتب : Hatem Maher

الأحد، 27 يناير 2008 - 01:18
شوقي وعبد ربه
Hosni Abd-Rabou continued his splendid displays in the 2008 African Cup of Nations despite making his first appearance in the Dark Continent's premier competition.

The Ismaili midfielder excelled in the 4-2 over Cameroon and put in another impressive performance in the crushing 3-0 victory over Sudan.

He scored his third goal of the tournament, demonstrating that he can compete for CAN top scorer award although he is a natural midfielder.

The win moved the defending champions close to a place in CAN quarter-finals after yet another convincing display.

In FilGoal.com player ratings, Abd-Rabou and super-sub Mohamed Abou-Treika earned the highest points for demolishing Sudan's defensive fence.

Player Ratings:

Essam Al-Hadari (7): Did not have to exert much effort due to Sudan players' failure to break through Egypt's defense, but made a couple of crucial saves in the first-half.

Mahmoud Fathallah (5): Was shaky and was beaten in one-on-one situations more than once. He was replaced in the second-half, making way to Ahmed Hassan.

Wael Gomaa (7): Put in a solid display, closed down space. He was just little bit incautious when trying to intercept some passes in front of Sudan strikers.

Hani Saied (7): The sweeper did commit make errors, providing comfort to Egypt goalie Al-Hadari.

Ahmed Fathi (6): He is a natural midfielder, using him on the right flank proved to be unsuccessful. He couldn't deliver good crosses and his defensive duties were not properly accomplished.

Sayed Moawad (5): He is yet to replicate his excellent displays in the Egyptian League. He couldn't push forward to support his teammates upfront.

Mohamed Shawky (6): Wasn't at his best against Sudan. He was too slow in transmitting the ball from midfield to strikers.

Hosni Abd-Rabou (9.5): Produced an impressive display, just like he did against Cameroon. He scored the opener and skillfully assisted Abou-Treika for the third goal.

Mohamed Zidan (7): He was man of the match against Cameroon, but couldn't play his usual smooth game after being subjected to tough tackles from the opponents.

Emad Meteb (5.5): Once again failed to justify Hassan Shehata's trust in him, failing to make any notable contribution throughout the whole 90 minutes.

Amr Zaki (6.5): The combative striker was not bad, but he is yet to live up to his potential.

Substitutes:

Ahmed Hassan (6): The Egypt skipper was relatively good, given that he was given few minutes to play after missing the first match against Cameroon due to suspension.

Mohamed Abou-Treika (9): Simply outstanding. He was introduced in the second-half, scored twice and stunned viewers with some dazzling touches.

Ahmed Al-Muhammadi: Was not tested.