CAN ORANGE 2010 - FINAL / GHANA - EGYPT : The Pharaohs on their way to victory

Since the first edition of the African Nations Cup in 1957, Ghana and Egypt put together have won a total of ten continental trophies. The Black Stars' last victory goes back to 1982. The Pharaohs walked away with the title in 2006 and 2008 and are getting closer to their third consecutive title. This would prove to be an incredible achievement, which will undoubtly be hard to beat in the near future. Shehata's men were near perfect during this year's edition. Egypt won five matches out of five, scored 14 goals and only let three goals pass her net. Yet The Pharaohs faced some fierce adversaries, including three World Cup qualifiers and former African champions. Their performance is even more impressive if you consider that the Pharaohs had to manage without two key players, Amr

Zaki and Aboutreika. Egypt clearly drew on her frustrating disqualification from the World Cup to play some excellent football at the African Nations Cup. However, in order to walk home with their third title in a row, Ahmed Hassan's teammates will have to crush yet another World Cup qualifier. Ghana is the tournament's big surprise. Deprived of her European stars (Appiah, Essien, Mensah, Muntari…), Milovan Rajevac's team depended on the voracity of its players from their Under-20 World Cup. Although Ghana's performance during the tournament has been more arduous - scoring just 4 goals and with no incredible actions – she won't be an easy prey. After a slow start to the tournament in which they lost 3-1 to Ivory Coast, the Black Stars have gradually grown: Rigorous in their defence, efficient in their attack, and with good team spirit. As outsiders they will benefit from the public's support during Sunday's match.

No matter the result, the final between Ghana and Egypt will make history. Either with a fabulous third consecutive title or with the consecration of Abedi Pelé's heirs, 28 years down the line.

Fayçal CHEHAT (Rédaction Football365/FootSud)