ACCRA: In 2006 Mohamed Zidan chose club over country and missed out on Egypt’s African Nations Cup win in Cairo.
Fast forward two years to Accra on Sunday and the Hamburg striker was right in the thick of the Pharoahs’ successful title defence.
Zidan set up Mohamed Abou Trika for the decisive 77th-minute goal in the 1-0 victory over Cameroon.
“It was a hard decision choosing my club and missing the title in Cairo, said the striker whose goal against Cameroon in the opening round was nominated as the best of the competition.
“I had the same difficult decision to make this time as I’ve recently moved to Hamburg and had to decide whether to stay with them or help my country.
“I decided to help Egypt as I wanted to experience that feeling of being champion, Zidan said after picking up his winner’s medal from Ghana President John Kuffour.
“It’s an honor to be a member of this team, it’s the strongest side in Africa. “We’ve shown how to keep our balance and fight for each other. Just look at our semi-final win over the Ivory Coast. They were favorites but when you fight for each other you can make things come true.
“We are living our dream now.
