AFCON 2019 – Group A Preview
With UEFA Champions League winner in their folds, Egypt head into this year’s continental showpiece with high hopes of clinching a historical eighth title Ahead of the 2019 AFCON, where they are placed in Group A alongside Zimbabwe, DR Congo and Uganda.
The Pharaohs of Egypt as they are popularly referred to have won the trophy in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010 and will head into the tournament as heavy favourites with Mexican Head Coach Javier Aguirre.
Aguirre took the reins of the Pharaohs in August 2018 following the departure of Hector Cúper after the World Cup. Coach Aguirre will be under a bit of pressure as they host the rest of Africa and the world on their home soil with key man Mohammed Salah.
Player to watch: Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah, arguably the player most Egyptians will be looking for inspiration from, after winning the UEFA Champions League and displaying some dazzling performances in the English Premier League (EPL) to help his club Liverpool to finish 2nd on the EPL table, where he won the golden boot in for the 2018/2019 season.
Mo Salah has not had it that rosy when it comes to international duties with the Pharaohs but this 32nd edition of the biennial tournament on home soil will present a good opportunity for him to guide his side to a historical berth come July 19, 2019.
Fixtures:
- Egypt Vs Zimbabwe – 6/21/19
- Egypt Vs DR Congo – 6/26/19
- Uganda Vs Egypt – 6/30/19
By Emmanuel Asante Attakora