20100131
allafrica

Defending Champions, Egypt will today clash with Ghana's Black Stars in the final of the Nation Cup, Angola 2010. The encounter billed for the 11 de Novembro Stadium, Launda is expected to bring out the best in both teams.

The Pharaohs go into the all important match with only one intention, to defend their status as African champions after the 4-0 whitewash of rival Algeria in Thursday's semi-final cracker.

Speaking on the final match, skipper of the side, Ahmed Hassan, said he is optimistic Egypt will give their Ghanaian foes more of the same silky smooth football which prides them as kings of Africa.

"Against Ghana we will continue to play as we have started. We don't care how they play, we are here to defend our title, and we'll do everything to succeed.

"Our 4-0 win over Algeria has proved we are the best team in Africa, without argument."

On his part, Ghana coach Milovan Rajevic is confident his team will continue to hold their own despite Pharaohs pedigree.

"I'm not concerned about playing beautiful game, but playing for results. It is the result that counts not possession.

"We came here to compete and not to play entertaining football. The most important thing is the result and not possession. This we hope to do against Egypt," Rajevic added

Indeed, today's climax will be a fascinating clash between the defending champions whose defence and attack is rock solid and the Black Stars' mix of Under-20 world champions thrust into the spotlight with a smattering of experienced players.

Egypt, who stretched their record-breaking unbeaten run at the Nations Cup to 18 games after Thursday's win over Algeria, have won six titles while Ghana have won four times.