Egyptian MPs Turn into Cheerleaders for Soccer Match Against Morocco
Egypt-Morocco, Sports, 6/26/2001

A group of 80 Egyptian members of parliament are projecting to travel to Morocco to support their national soccer team in their 2002 world cup heats match Saturday against Morocco.

The Egyptian parliament will pay for part of the trip and the amateur cheerleaders will pay for the rest.

The Pharaohs will also be supported by leading artists and businessmen who will also be travelling to Morocco to try break "a bad omen" that has always loomed on their games against the North Africans. Throughout history, Egypt defeated Morocco only once in official competition. It was in the semi-final of the African Nations Cup played in 1986 in Cairo. The sole victorious goal was then scored for Egypt by a sent off player who was surprisingly pardoned by CAF.

Morocco's Atlas Lions currently top group C with 12 points ahead of Egypt and Senegal who total 9 points each and Morocco will be trying to widen the gap with its contenders.

The Moroccan line-up is mainly made of veteran pros, playing in Europe.

"It is a difficult game indeed. But we have what it takes to win and consolidate our odds to make it to the 2002 World Cup," Morocco's Portuguese coach, Humberto Cuelho told the press.

While Egypt are being under huge psychological strain, exacerbated by the uncontrolled comments of their press, Cuelho took his team to Marbella, southern Spain, where they are preparing quietly and without fanfare.

Previous Stories:
  Football: Egypt spies on Moroccan pros   (5/12/2001)
  Morocco ties with Egypt in world cup qualifier   (1/29/2001)
  Handball: Morocco qualifies for World Cup   (5/2/2000)

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