Egypt back to reclaim title — El Hadary

Veteran goalkeeper, Essam El Hadary has said that Egypt are set to clinch their eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after his side edged Morocco 1-0 last Sunday at Stade de Port Gentil to progress to the semi-final.

The 44-year old is the oldest player to feature at Africa’s premier football tournament and is the only goalkeeper yet to concede a goal at the Gabon showpiece.

“We have been absent for three editions because we had difficult circumstances in the country since 2011 and we did not have a normal regular competition in Egyptian football.

“It was temporarily suspended for some years and sports activities, including football, were up and down because we did not have a regular national competition. Until now we are playing behind closed doors,” the three-time AFCON winner told Supersport.com.

El Hadary who has made 149 appearances (friendlies and official) for Egypt and has conceded 146 goals since his debut on March 26, 1996 against South Africa said Egypt are good for the title.

“Our objective is to show that we were absent [at three AFCON finals] because of special circumstances in our country and not because of performance. It was out of our hands.”

“Now we are here and of course our objective is to show that we are the Pharaohs. We are the winners of seven titles and we are looking forward to an eighth title. We are going to do our best in this tournament and go forward and hopefully we shall reach the final. We all wish to claim the trophy.”