International
2008-02-10 - Cameroon vs Egypt
A Sports Betting Pick by Romerz
Africa Cup of Nations 2008 – Final
Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra, Ghana
10 February 2008 – 18.00 GMT
The 26th edition of this tournament reaches its climax with a final between world ranked 25 Cameroon against defending champion and world ranked 35 Egypt. Both teams in this final emerged from Group C with Egypt winning the group and Cameroon coming in 2nd.
Cameroon
At the group stage, Cameroon played 3, won 2, drew 0 and lost 1, scoring 10 and conceding 5. However, Cameroon opened the campaign with a loss to Egypt 2-4 then bounced back with wins over Zambia 5-1 and Sudan 3-0.
In the QF, Cameroon overcame a gutsy Tunisia 3-2 after extra time with the score being level at 2-2 after regulation time.
In the SF, Cameroon faced host Ghana and booked a place in the final with a 1-0 victory. In this match, Ghana had the better of the exchanges but failed to convert the chances created. This is despite Michael Essien being forced to play in the centre back position thus depriving Ghana of the attacking edge. From the few attacks that Cameroon had, they made it count in the 72nd min with a wonderful strike from Alain Nkong.
Such is the talent in Cameroon's squad that all of the players are playing for clubs in Europe with the exception of 2 players playing in Qatar and Mexico. For the final, defender Andre Bikey will be suspended because of a red card in the SF.
4 times African champion Cameroon comes into this final with an impressive record of P11 W7 D1 L3 F25 A13 and they also have amongst their ranks this tournament's top scorer with 5 goals, Samuel Eto'o. Cameroon's other scorers are Geremi, Job and Mbia, all with 2 goals each.
Egypt
From the same Group C, Egypt came out tops with 2 wins and a draw with the draw against Zambia 1-1 coming in the last group match when it was apparent that Egypt had qualified for the knockout stage. From the 3 group matches, Egypt scored 8 and conceded 5 goals with the notable win over Cameroon 4-2.
In the QF, Egypt beat Angola 2-1 and then went on to beat tournament favorites Ivory coast in the SF by a thumping score of 4-1. Egypt's defense managed to keep Ivory Coast's fearsome strikeforce consisting of Drogba, Kalou, Dindane and Keita at bay and at the same time breached Ivory Coast's defense 4 times to register another 4-1 victory.
Whilst not having players as well known as Cameroon's, Egypt nonetheless have a few players playing in European leagues such as Ibrahim Said of Angkaragucu, Mohamed Shawky of Middlesbrough, Ahmad Hassan of Anderlecht and Mohamed Zidan of Hamburg. It is also important to note that Egypt's goals have come from different positions and not dependant on a single player. The goal scorers are Hosny Rabo and Amr Zaky with 4 goals each, Aboutreika – 3 goals, and Mohamed Zidan – 2 goals.
5 times African and defending champion Egypt comes into this final with a record of P18 W10 D7 L1 F32 A15 since 2007 with the single loss coming against Japan in an away friendly in October 2007. In this tournament and the qualifying matches leading to this tournament and the last Africa Cup of Nations 2006, Egypt has played a total of 17 matches and winning 12, drawing 5 and losing NONE.
Influential player, Mohamed Zidan, who was carrying a slight injury, was rested in the SF and only came on as a substitute and is expected to start for this match.
Analysis
Cameroon is by far the more glamorous team with 'stars' amongst its ranks but in my opinion, Egypt is the more balanced team. Playing as a unit, Egypt attack in numbers and at the same time defend as a unit as well. On the other hand, Cameroon is highly dependant on Samuel Eto'o as can be seen from their past few matches with the defense blasting long balls up the middle for Eto'o to exploit his pace.
With the loss of Bikey, Rigobert Song may well find himself having to cover more ground and we can expect to see more of these long clearances.
Whilst not a world beater by any means, Egypt nonetheless have an impeccable record at the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. They have won it the most times at 5 championships with the last one coming from the last edition in 2006 when they beat Ivory Coast on penalties.
In my opinion, Egypt possesses strength in all departments and is multi-dimensional in their approach whereas Cameroon is more predictable with their style of play. If Samuel Eto'o can be contained or his supply line cut, then I can't see where their goals are going to come from. Furthermore, I also think Egypt's defense is a more disciplined lot compared to Cameroon's.
However, it must be noted that Cameroon has played at Ohene Djan Stadium once before in the SF and does not have to move camp whereas Egypt has yet to play at this stadium so far and will have to move camp from Kumasi where they played their SF.
Verdict
Egypt not to lose this final and with a slight edge to win this cup for the 6th time.
BEST BETTING TIP :
6/10 on Egypt not to lose (x2) @ 1.33and 3/10 on Egypt @ 2.34
