FIFA ARAB CUP
Femi Solaja
The Pharaohs of Egypt opened their FIFA Arab Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lebanon in one of the two Group D matches played yesterday at the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar.
Aside Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah and Mohammed Elneny of Arsenal and two other fringe players in the European league, the former African champions had to rely on a 71st minute penalty kick converted by veteran star Mohamed Ashfa for the only goal of the match.
However, Lebanon currently sitting at 94th position in the current FIFA ranking with 1233.76 points which was lower than their previous 1250.08 in October.
At the moment, the Egyptians are in the sixth position with just a thin line separating them from the fifth placed Nigeria who have no match until after the draw for the playoffs.
Egypt still have at least four more competitive matches in view to build up on.
First, they will face Sudan on Saturday in what will be a teaser to what should be expected when the two teams meet again at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon next month.
Sudan lost 4-0 in their opening Group D duel of the Arab Cup to the rampaging Algerian side at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Wednesday.
Both African football giants, Algeria and Egypt will clash in final group game next week Tuesday.
The FIFA Arab Cup is played by 16 teams from across the Arab world as they come together to compete. The event offers a great opportunity for competitors and spectators alike to experience the spirit of Qatar and the iconic stadiums that will host the World Cup in 2022.
