Palestine, January 31, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - Gazans' enthusiasm for Egypt's win in the final match of the African Nations Cup on Sunday contrasts sharply with their disappointment about the economic difficulties and hopes for peace.

The cafes are usually dominated by politics, but football is now "in charge." That match Sunday evening was between Ghana and defending champion Egypt, and was held in Luanda, Angola's capital.

Talal Okal, a Palestinian political analyst,said:  "When people cannot find solutions to their political problems, they turn their attention to film and sport."

Football has been popular in the Gaza Strip.However, in recent months, interest has grown, with many Gazans enthusiastically watching two teams, Spanish Barcelona and Real Madrid, which broadcast on television. A new sporting goods shop just opened in Gaza, bearing the name of Kaka, a Brazilian playmaker for Real Madrid.

Many cars and children's clothing in Gaza now flaunt the flags and names of teams, including those both in Arab and European countries. And although Hamas bans political demonstrations, loyalty to soccer teams is considered to be a safe haven for expressing feelings.

Izz al-Din Pepper, 20, a fan of the Egyptian team,  says people try to entertain themselves in the midst of "bad economic, political and social conditions."

Avi, a journalist from Gaza, agreed.

"There is a feeling of frustration and lack of confidence in leadership, both those in the West Bank and Gaza Strip," he said.

Many Gaza residents continue to support the Egyptian football team despite the current tension between Cairo and Hamas and the construction by Egypt of a steel wall to cut off the smuggling tunnels.