By Jejje Muhinde;
Kigali: His Excellence Ahmed El Ansary, the Egyptian Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda thinks the AFCON 2019 match between Egypt vs. DR Congo to be played today (Wednesday) in Cairo will be a tough game.
The Ambassador made the comments in an engagement about AFCON 2019, saying that in Group A, Uganda won and DRC lost the only chance the opponents (DRC) have if they’re to make it to the second round is winning the game.
“We have the home advantage which is an incentive. I would love to see Egypt going all the way to the final later on lifting the trophy at the end of the day,” he articulated.
He believes though in respective, it is always nice to have this sort of competition and to play competitively the most important thing he emphasizes is the spirit of sportsmanship and as long as it prevails the better team will eventually proceed to the second round and even further to the finals.
Egypt won 1-0 against Zimbabwe in the opening match on Saturday. Winning by two goals against DRC lifted Uganda to the top of the table, giving DRC a doubting task in today’s fixture.
All eyes will be focused on Liverpool FC player Mohamed Salah, Ambassador Ansary believes Salah is an icon figure except when it comes to football it is not an individual sport.
“We cannot entirely rely on one player in a game, of-course Salah is an inspiration but the most important thing is to have the team spirit, that is what matters you cannot depend on a single player you have to rely on a team as a whole,” Amb. Said.
About the benefits of hosting the tournament, the Ambassador noted that, Egypt and the African continent in general, are capable of staging class events.
The Amb. pointed out that Egypt put on an impressive opening ceremony, which shows what Africans can do; showcase to the whole world that the continent has the capacity which concedes with Egypt’s chairmanship of the AU.
“We have invested in infrastructure; all stadiums are state of the art facilities it will promote tourism, Africans will enjoy their stay in Egypt,” Adding, “ The competition brings the nation plus people closer, sport is a magical tool to better understand one another. The success of the tournament itself is not for Egypt but the whole tournament,” he explained.
A defeat or draw against DRC, will put Egypt on pressure in front of home fans, football analyst and fans claim. The Pharaohs are the most successful national team in the cup’s history, winning the tournament a record of seven times including when Egypt was known as the United Arab Republic between 1958 and 1961.
In the other games to be played in Group A, Uganda take on Zimbabwe in what is considered a crucial fixture for the EAC nation, a win will automatically qualify them to the next round while defeat will put Warriors of Zimbabwe in hot waters.