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History offers Egypt no comfort as a team coached by
Frenchman Gerard Gili prepares to defend the African Nations
Cup. The legendary Black Stars of Ghana were the last country
to successfully defend the trophy that symbolises African
supremacy - and that was 35 years ago when the event was
considerably less competitive. A pool including Burkina Faso,
Senegal and Zambia should not prevent the Pharaohs reaching
the quarter-finals, but many fans here doubt whether they can
match Nigeria, Morocco or Tunisia. With qualification
guaranteed as holders, Egypt have been forced to rely on
friendlies. Recently they snatched a late win over humble
Togo, trounced well-prepared Gabon and were outplayed in Cote
d'Ivoire. Gili says stalwarts Hani Ramzy in defence, Hazem
Imam in midfield and Hossam Hassan in attack will form the
spine of a team that will do well to reach the semi-finals
this time.
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