Soccer-Nations-Stylish Egypt add a touch of class

By Brian Homewood

KUMASI, Ghana, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Defending champions Egypt have reached their second successive African Nations Cup final by playing a stylish, passing game in a tournament where most other teams have favoured raw physical power.

The Egyptians trounced hot favourites Ivory Coast 4-1 in Thursday's semi-final, a rematch of the 2006 final, which they won on penalties after a goalless draw.

On that occasion, Egypt's fifth Nations Cup title was largely attributed to the advantage of playing on home soil in a tournament marred by controversial refereeing.

This time, their slick football has been one of the highlights of the tournament and there is little argument that they deserve their place in Sunday's final against Cameroon.

Eleven of the 16 coaches who began the Nations Cup are European and their influence has been clear with most teams playing a fast and furious game.

The Ghana-Cameroon semi-final played earlier on Thursday in Accra was fairly typical as the midfield was often bypassed and the tackles flew in.

In contrast, Egypt bore more resemblance to a South American side, stroking the ball around in midfield and patiently trying to work an opening. At one stage they strung more than 40 passes together.