FIFA Confed Cup - Egypt Target Semi-final Berth
African champions Egypt are aiming to at least reach the last four of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa in June despite being drawn in a tough group.
Nov 22, 2008 3:36:03 PM
At an impressive draw ceremony held Saturday evening at the Sandton Conference in Johannesburg, the six-time African champions were drawn in Group B along with world champions Italy, Brazil and United States of America.
"Our target is to reach the semi-final," said Egypt coach Hassan Shehata, whose team open their campaign against Brazil.
"We are determined to represent Africa very well in this competition.
"Any time we play, I tell the players to enjoy the game and also allow the crowd to do so too. That's what we will do in the Confederations Cup."
The opening match will be between hosts and Africa's other flag bearers South Africa and Asian champions Iraq on June 14.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals to be played on a knockout basis.
The final of the inter-continental competition is slated for June 28 in Johannesburg.
Tickets for the quadrennial tournament will go on sale from Sunday, November 23.
The competition is regarded as a dress rehearsal for the 2010 World Cup.
"What happens at this competition will give us a general feeling of the organisation for the World Cup," said Fifa Secretary General Jerome Valcke.
"It may only involve eight teams and a shorter period of two weeks but it should still give us an indication where we are weak, where we are strong, where we need to improve before another 12 months for the World Cup."
Samm Audu
- Rwanda Gets New Coach For CECAFA Challenge Cup - Report
- Kenya To Play Zambia In CECAFA Challenge Cup Opener
- SuperSport United 3-2 Maritzburg United: Hosts Continue Unbeaten Run
- Con Men Trying To Cash In On Nigeria Coaching Job - Official
- 2010 AFCON Winner Is In Group B – Ghana FA Boss
- Egypt Striker Amr Zaki Out For Three Weeks
- DR Congo Club AS Vita Raid Rwanda Clubs
- Five PSL Clubs To Appear Before Disciplinary Committee
- African Cup Of Nations Debate: The Battle Of The West Africans
- Ghana Coach Considers Ivory Coast As Toughest Opponents In African Cup Of Nations
- Top 10 Most Controversial World Cup Games
- Egypt Issue FIFA Complaint Against Algeria, Threaten International Withdrawl
- Fabio Cannavaro: Thierry Henry Should Have Had The Decency Not To Celebrate
- FAI Chief John Delaney Demands Ireland's Match With France Be Replayed
- France Captain Thierry Henry: I Handled The Ball Against Ireland, But It Was A ‘Great Moment’
- Egypt Issue FIFA Complaint Against Algeria, Threaten International Withdrawl
402 - Top 10 Most Controversial World Cup Games263
- French Football Federation Reject FAI Appeal To Replay World Cup Play-Off180
- World Cup Comment: FIFA Must Save Role Models From Cheating Habits85
- Dust Settles After Algerian Attacks On Egyptian Fans And Businesses81
Watch
