The past decade has seen Egypt begin to regard themselves as the omnipotent force in African football. But now the Pharaohs will have to recover from another punishing blow on the world stage, as World Cup qualification still eludes them, if they want to DJ LeMahieu Jersey retain their title for a third succe sive year.Lies, Damned Lies and StatisticsWhen Egypt won the tournament they hosted in 2006, the odd eyebrow was raised as to the credentials of the new African champions; with the side scraping through to the final after defeating Senegal 2-1, a match in which Senegal were refused a penalty in the dying minutes. The hosts went on to beat the Ivory Coast in the final by the unconvincing means of a penalty shootout.However, two years after the win, Egypt retained the title, precluding any doubts. And the penultimate hurdle in 2008 was cleared in much more convincing fashion this time round, with a 4-1 thrashing of the Ivory Coast. Mohamed Aboutrika scored the only goal in the resultant final clash with Cameroon, handing Egypt their sixth title, a feat unequaled in the African Cup of Nations. The consecutive wins equaled the achievements of the 1950s, when the Pharaohs won the inaugural tournament in 1957, and then again in 1959.Road to AngolaEgypts qualifying campaign began with a disappointing draw at home to Zambia in front of 70,000 fans. They then travelled to Algeria in a North African derby, one of the most fierce on the international stage. Chad Bettis Jersey The visitors second half demise gave Algeria a 3-1 victory, and Egypts prospects looked far from rosy.Back to back wins secured ACN qualification, but, after beating Algeria 2-0 and finishing on level points, goal difference, and goals scored, a play-off was needed to decide the nations World Cup fate. Both matches were met with searing tempers and crowd riots, with Egypts win in the first being overshadowed by fans hurling stones at the Algeria team bus. The second preceded Egyptian headlines of machete-wielding crowds, and chaos ensued on the streets. So if these two meet in the tournament itself, it will certainly be one to watch, but maybe not at the groundThe GroupIn the first match of Group C, Egypt meet Nigeria. Expect this to be a pivotal match for both teams hopes, with the winner certain to be confident of topping the group.NigeriaManager Shaibu Amodu Mark Reynolds Jersey is certainly a man under pre sure as Nigeria travel to Angola. The fans have very much turned against him, so it will just be a question of whether he can motivate his players, as they certainly have quality within their squad. With a strong attacking line, the Super Eagles are bound to score goals, and just need to become a resilient force at the back.Key man: John Obi MikelMozambiqueHaving already shut Nigeria out in qualification, Mozambique will certainly be confident of keeping it tight at the back, and so their hopes will undoubtedly lie in the hands of Dario, who will have the job of leading the line. The Mambas will make a stern defensive line a priority, and if they can grab the odd goal on the counter, then they cannot be written off just yet.Key man: DarioBeninBenin managed to finish second in a tough qualifying group which paired them with Ghana, Mali Chris Iannetta Jersey and Sudan; defeating Ghana along the way. However, Les cureuils could struggle due to their lack of big match experience, having never qualified for the ANC until 2004. Another problem they will have to overcome is their lack of goals. Despite an impre sive finishing position, Benin only hit the back of the net six times in as many games, and they will be desperate for Razak Omotoyo si to be on the very top echelon of form. The strikers goals could decide their fate.Key man: Stephane Se segnonSo on paper at least, looks as if Egypt will have no trouble progre sing. But the group is not to be underestimated as the matches will be tough, if unspectacular. Even so, the Pharaohs should qualify alongside Nigeria. After that it will become more difficult. In recent years, Egypt have been unrivalled on the continent, due to their very un-African creativity and Charlie Blackmon Jersey wonderful football. But this time round it could be a different story, with the likes of Cameroon posing a greater threat. A semi-final spot is still the least they expect, though, and I wouldnt put a third consecutive title past them.