Congo DR vs Egypt (0-1)

Congo DR vs Egypt (0-1)

Date: 7-9-2008
Wrote: EP's webmaster

Mohamed Abotreka scored a stunning goal to put the Pharaohs a step closer to World Cup, Zaki tried to penetrate into the box but the ball was deflected off a defender and went to Abotreka who controlled it well and chiipper it home to make the score 0-1 and lead the Pharaohs to top their group.

The Pharaohs restored their pride after a shocking display in the friendly versus Sudan with a clinical win over their strong opponent, Congo DR by a single goal.

The win put Egypt on top of the group with 12 points, and three points away from Congo DR and Malawi. Another win is expected in the remaining match versus Djibouti and Egypt will qualify as first in the group.

The Pharaohs were up to the challenge today. They played with the same spirit that won them the African Cup, fought for every ball and didn't give Congo a chance from the kick off.

Victory didn't come easy though. Congo DR had a chance that was denied by the bar and a last challenge by Gomaa inside the box could result in a penalty kick for the homeside but the match referee waved play on.

The only goal of the game came through the Egyptian talisman Mohamed Abotreka. The man of of the decisive moments in Egyptian football. Zaki tried to beat more than a defender at the edge of the box but the ball struck a defender and went to Treka who faced the keeper and played a superb ship into the back of the net over the outstretched goalkeeper.

Congo DR started with their best players including Lua Lua and Shabani Nonda. However, Lua Lua had to came off early on as he was suffering from injury before the match and couldn't carry on.

This made the job considerably easier for Egypt who controlled the midfield with Ahmed Hassan and Hosny in the middle, Samir Farag on the left, Mohamadi on the right, Abotreka as support man, Meteb and Zaki at front. The Pharaohs defense consisted of Hadary in goal, Hany Said as sweeper, Fathalla and Gomaa as centre backs.

In the 2nd half, Congo DR put the Pharaohs under pressure and started to look dangerous with their random long range shooting and crosses into the box. They had a great chance to score when their forward hit the ball awkwardly to hit the bar and bounce back into play. Rather than this chance, Congo didn't look very dangerous thanks to the quality of marking from the Egyptian side.

On the other side, Egypt did look dangerous with the counter attacks. Zaki alone could score three goals. The Wigan star played a great role at front, he held the ball well under pressure and unleashed a great overhead kick in the 2nd half but it rattled the bar. He also received a great through pass from Hosny and was a few yards away from target but his left footed strike went wide. In the final minutes, Zaki did well to control the ball and steal it from two defenders, he then faced the keeper and shot the ball with his left, but the substitute goalkeeper made a fingertip save and turned the ball away for a corner.

Shehata did well on the tactical side. He brought Meteb off when he lost the midfield battle early on in the 2nd half and introduced Mohamed Hommos. He also took Abotreka off and brought Mido late on to help winning more headers and in holding the ball under pressure. The selection for the game was the best considering Mido's slight injury and the absence of Shawky which left him out of options for the centre of midfield, but Hassan and Hosny performed well throughout the match.

Now, the first round is almost done and qualification on top of the group is achieved. The real challenge will be the final phase which will be against much stronger opponents with no space for errors as only the top team in each group will make it to South Africa.

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