Tokyo, October 26, 2007: Mark down Match No. 58 as one of the highlights of the men’s World Cup.
Although it will take place at Site B (Komazawa Gymnasium in Tokyo) on December 1, it is sure to be one of the most fiercely-fought matches of the tournament: the North African “derby” between Egypt and Tunisia.
Neither team is expected to be in the running for a place on the podium at this late stage of the competition, but when these arch-rivals meet it will be played at the intensity of a World Cup final.
There is no doubt Egypt hold the edge at the moment, having defeated Tunisia in an epic five-set final to defend their African Nations Championship crown at Durban, South Africa, last month. Tunisia won the first two sets before the Pharaohs stormed back to take the next three, the total points finishing all square at 105-105 in a grueling slugfest that was regarded as the best match at this level for five years.
So no matter how the World Cup standings look come December 1, local pride will demand another no-holds-barred contest from the African representatives.
Eight-time African champions Tunisia have been coached by Italian Antonio Giacobbe since June 2000. His leader on the court is 33-year-old captain Ghazi Guidara, who was named best setter at the recent African Championship in Durban.
Hichem Kaabi, who turned 21 this month, was the best scorer at the continental championship, which was quite an achievement considering he was up against Egyptian fireball Ahmed Salah Abd Elnaiem.
Another up-and-coming player is 22-year-old Aymen Ben Brik, so the future is looking bright for the Tunisians.