UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH WAEL GOMAA

UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH WAEL GOMAA

Africa has been blessed with a host of fantastic footballers who have performed marvellously both on the continent and outside of it.

 Taribo West, Samuel Osei Kufour, Marcel Desailly (Ghanaian-born Frenchman), Jerome Boateng (Ghanaian-born German), Victor Onyewu (Nigerian-born American), Jay-Jay Okocha, Kalusha Bwalya, Abedi Pele, Ibrahim Sunday, Mohammed Aboutreka amongst others. 

Indeed, Africa is a blessed continent of pure footballing talent and today, my attention has been drawn to Wael Gomaa by my friend and brother Mawuena Kaledzi (Arsenal Costa). 

Who is Wael Gomaa?

                                                                        Wael Gomaa

Wael Gomaa is a retired Egyptian football legend who was born on 3rd August, 1975 in El Sheen, Gharbia in Egypt.

He made 114 appearances for the Pharaohs, scoring once as well appearing in the famous Al-Ahly jersey 241 times netting on 11 occasions.

He stands at six(6) feet and featured consistently at centre-back for the Egyptian national team (PHAROAHS) and Al-Ahly (THE UNDISPUTED CONTINENTAL MASTERS). 

Infact, Wikepedia.com refers to him as the best Egyptian centre-back in history and one of the best players in African football history.

Walid Ziani, a colleague sports journalist, asks an important question as to whether there is any other player who has been underrated as Wael Gomaa. Clearly, he is not satisfied with the manner in which Gomaa has been eulogised.

Mybssports.blogspot.com therefore takes this day to celebrate this great player who has been extremely successful both at club and international level.


NATIONAL TEAM CAREER
Gomaa was pivotal in the Pharaoh's African Cup of Nations Egypt 2006, Ghana 2008 and Angola 2010 .


He appeared in every match for the Egyptian side in those tournaments, defending against top European league players such as Drogba, Eto'o, Manucho and Lomana LuaLua.


Gomaa has been chosen by CAF in Best Africa XI three times, in 2006, 2008 and 2010.


Gomaa participated with Egypt in FIFA Confederations Cup and appeared in every match for the Egyptian side.

Wael Gomaa made his 100th International appearance for Egypt; when Egypt played against Uganda on January 8, 2011 in the 2011 Nile Basin Tournament.


During the tournament, he scored his only international goal with the ball bouncing off his leg following a corner kick against Kenya in the semi final and Egypt went on to win the match 5–1.

Gomaa made his international debut on 26 April 2001 in a friendly match against South Korea. 

CLUB CAREER
Due to his magnificent performance in 2000–01 Egyptian league season, he signed with Al Ahly after Egypt Cup final match with Ghazl El Mahalla against Al Ahly.

He made his debut for Al Ahly in a friendly match against Real Madrid in August 2001. 

His official debut was in the match against Angolan side Petro Atletico in CAF Champions League 2001 on 12 August in Luanda.

He is known as an excellent header, good reading for passes, who has the ability to score from corners and free kicks. 

He scored with a header for Al Ahly in the final match of CAF Champions League 2008 against Cotonsport Garoua of Cameroon.

In 2006-2007, he had pre-season trials with Blackburn Rovers with a view to a January transfer but a deal could not materialise.

On 26 May 2014 Wael announced his retirement from football.  (SOURCE: WIKEPEDIA)