The Afro-European Football Championship is scheduled to kick off today with hosts South Africa and European champions Spain hot favourites. Eight countries, including Egypt, will vie for the tournament title for only the second time it has been held, with the battle culminating in the 7 February final. Egypt, Spain, Ireland and South Africa are drawn in one group while Ghana, Nigeria, Italy and Portugal make up the second. The Egyptian delegation, headed by member of the football federation Qadri Abdel-Halim and Coach Shawki Gharib, says it is determined to reach at least the semis, meaning Egypt must beat two of the three other countries in its pool.
Most experts agree that Spain, by dint of being European champions, is the team to beat.
But Gharib claims South Africa poses the biggest challenge to Egypt's chances in particular. The South Africans hold a grudge against Egyptian teams who have beaten South African clubs three out of four times on various occasions. And, Gharib adds, South African coaches are familiar with the Egyptian style of play, its approach and technique. Many experts say no one should expect an Egyptian victory even though some hopefuls say the team comprises many talented players who may yet pull off a surprise. Let's give them the chance and the benefit of the doubt.