The two most successful sides in the history of the AFCON Pharaohs of Egypt and Indomitable Lions of Cameroon go head to head in Thursday’s semi-final for who will face Senegal in the final on Sunday.
Both sides last met in the final back in 2017, when Cameroon came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory and secure a fifth continental title.
Cameroon have enjoyed a sensational AFCON campaign and will feel confident in their chances of reaching a second final in five years.
On their part, Egypt will be eyeing a Africa Cup of Nations record when they face the hosts on today’s huge contest.
If the seven-time African champions beat Cameroon, they will become the first team to feature in 10 AFCON finals.
They and Black Stars of Ghana hold the record for the most appearances in the final (nine) and will hope to achieve the feat by overcoming Cameroon.
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While the duo of Vincent Aboubakar and Karl Toko Ekambi have caught the eye in attack for Cameroon, Collins Fai, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Michael Ngadeu and Nouhou Tolo have been solid at the defensive end of the pitch and we expect them to start for the third game running.
At the centre of the park, Nicolas Moumie Ngamaleu and Napoli’s Andre Zambo Anguissa have been ever-present for Cameroon, featuring in all five games at the tournament, and we expect them to be tasked with winning the midfield battle once again.
For Egypt, they remain without Hamdi Fathi after the Al Ahly midfielder picked up an injury in last Wednesday’s game against Ivory Coast, meaning Ayman Ashraf will push for a second consecutive start.
Fellow Al Ahly teammate Akram Tawfik is also out of contention for the Pharaohs after the 24-year-old sustained a severe injury in the opening game against Nigeria which saw him come off inside the opening 11 minutes.
They will also be without former West Bromwich Albion man Ahmed Hegazy, who was hooked off at half time against Morocco through injury.
Having seen the goalkeeping duo of Mohamed El-Shenawy and Gabaski come off injured in their last two games, Egypt are left with third-choice Mohamed Sobhy, who made his national team debut in the aforementioned game.
And with his goal and assist against the Atlas Lions, Salah has now scored or assisted three of the North Africans’ four goals so far and the Liverpool man’s presence will definitely give the Cameroon defenders some thinking to do.
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