Egyptians, Sudanese Clash
A cross-section of Egyptian journalists and Sudanese players and officials on Friday clashed at Miklin Hotel in Kumasi after an initial misunderstanding.
Reports said on Thursday some Egyptian players and officials invaded the Miklin Hotel base of the Sudanese, ostensibly to watch the Ghana versus Namibia match on a giant screen at the poolside of the hotel.
According to a source at the hotel, whilst watching the match, the Egyptians started shouting 'Ghana and Egypt for finals', which incurred the wrath of the Sudanese team who complained to the authorities that the Egyptians were disturbing their peace, compelling the hotel officials to send the Egyptians away.
The source continued that the following day, a scuffle nearly ensued between the two camps at the reception of Miklin Hotel when an Egyptian journalist invaded the hotel to interview the Sudanese players but his request was flatly refused by the technical team of the Sudanese who sensed some foul play.
According to the source, the Egyptian journalist managed to persuade a Sudanese player to have an interview with him at a secret place which the Sudanese team later got wind of and seized the camera of the journalist.
In an interview with Delali Atease of Luv FM on the morning of Saturday's game, Hamzi Osama, Egyptian Deputy Ambassador to Ghana confirmed the reports and gave the assurance that it was being resolved amicably by the two camps.
Mr. Osama however appealed to the Sudanese camp to release the camera since it contained vital information about the preparation of the Egyptians.
After the skirmish, Egypt on the field of play, humbled a seemingly inexperienced but stubborn Sudan team by 3-0 at the tension-packed match at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi to maintain top position in Group C and give their title defence a great boost.
The Egyptians who were given a good run for their monies had to rely on two late strikes from substitute Mohamed Mohamed Abou Trika before calling off the bluff of the skillful Sudanese team who exhibited great technique.
The Defending Champions jumped into the lead via a 28th minute penalty which was beautifully converted by Abdel Motaleb who was picked as the Man of the Match, after Zidan had been brought down by the Sudanese Goalie in the box.
In the second half, the Sudanese who gave little respect to the five-time champions dominated in midfield but lacked bite upfront, squandering a few glorious scoring opportunities that came their way, until substitute Mohamed Abou Trika of Egypt taught them how to score in the 76th and 82nd minutes when he planted the ball beyond the reach of the Sudanese goalkeeper.
After the match the Sudanese camp admitted that lack of experience was their bane in a match which they played absolutely well to the admiration of the spectators and warned that they would cause a major upset by beating Cameroon in their next game scheduled at the Tamale Stadium on Wednesday.
From Fred J A Ibrahim Jnr., Kumasi.