EGYPT OPENS DEFENCE IN STYLE



Defending Champions, Egypt has opened their campaign at the 26th African Cup of Nations in Ghana on a perfect note.


Two goals each from Mohamed Zidan and Hosni Abd Rabou gave the Pharos a crucial 4-2 victory over Cameroon in their Group C opener played at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Tuesday ensure their start to the competition that laces Africa’s best 16 together remained unblemished.


Cameroon was outplayed in the first half with Rabou scoring from the spot and Zidan netting two superb goals.The Indomitable Lions laboured but managed to pull a goal back with Barcelona aca, Samuel Eto'o hitting the back of the net after the break.But Abd Rabou's long shot on 82 minutes ended hopes of a comeback for Cameroon though Eto'o scored again from the spot at the concluding stage.


Egypt dominated play from the start, with Mohamed Shawky testing Carlos Kameni with a long-range shot in the third minute.Their opening goal came after 14 minutes when Rabou converted from the spot after Andre Bikey handled in the box.Zidan made it 2-0 three minutes on, breaking from inside his own half, exchanging passes with Emad Moteab and racing through the Cameroon defence before slotting home.



Zidan struck again with a powerful shot in first-half stoppage time after chesting down the ball outside the box.But Cameroon was to transform after the break in a manner that ensured Eto’o goal on 51 minutes that was a header from Geremi’s cross.The Barcelona striker missed narrowly 12 minutes later, shooting just wide from a close range.But Egypt began to diminish Cameroon's drive with Rabou's magnificent 25-yard shot sealing the victory before Eto'o’s penalty in stoppage time.