AFCON – Cameroon vs Egypt – Semi-final

To Win (90 minutes)
Cameroon 12/10 | Draw 15/10 | Egypt 28/10

To Qualify (90 minutes)
Cameroon 11/20
Egypt 13/10

Cameroon

Cameroon are two games away from becoming six-time Africa Cup of Nations champions. The Indomitable Lions face an uphill task and will need to be at their best to conquer Egypt in the semi-finals. If they overcome the semis, they face off against tournament-favourites Senegal in the showpiece final on Sunday, having the support of the 12th-man roaring from the stands.

First up, Cameroon set their sights on the Pharaohs in a repeat of their 2017 AFCON final triumph, where under the tutelage of current South African manager, Hugo Broos, the Indomitable Lions reigned victorious in a 2-1 come-from-behind win. Mohamed Elneny’s opener was cancelled out by Nicolas N’Koulou, before one of the best performers at this current tournament, Vincent Aboubakar, scored the matchwinner.

Supporters will be full of belief, while manager Toni Conceicao will also be quietly confident. Cameroon have won eight of their last nine matches under their Portuguese manager, so the momentum is with the host nation. During the last 13 editions of the competition, only three teams have managed to secure glory on home soil, South Africa (1996), Tunisia (2004) and Egypt (2006).

An integral part to the team, midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa said: “The group is motivated to play a good match against Egypt. We are determined to achieve a good result, go to the final and win the title. Playing at home is very special for us. We are committed to play this semi-final and go for the title on Sunday, for the Cameroonian people.”

Egypt

As we reach the business end of the tournament, the weight of expectation will now be weighing heavier on the shoulders of the ‘Egyptian King’ Mohamed Salah. Seeing as his Liverpool compatriot Sadio Mane has already booked Senegal’s ticket to the final. This could set up a tantalising contest that will definitely capture the imagination of the football world and prove their manager Jurgen Klopp’s ‘little tournament’ comment sarcastically wrong.

Egypt’s pedigree is unquestionable, but with the record seven-time champions sweating on the fitness of their two best goalkeepers Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly) and Mohamed ‘Gabaski’ Abougabal, as well as first-choice centre-back Ahmed Hegazy and right-back Akram Tawfik, coupled with the Cameroon home support making their presence felt, this might just level the playing field and quite possibly put Egypt on the back foot.

Hegazy is a vital cog in the heart of defence and his absence will be sorely felt. Especially, during set-pieces where Cameroon striker Aboubakar has been dominant from the opening game. The Pharaohs come into this clash after playing 30 minutes of extra-time in the wins over Ivory Coast and Morocco within the last nine days which could further swing the tide to Cameroon’s favour.

Leading to the massive encounter, Egypt head coach Carlos Queiroz said: “To reach the semi-finals is a reward for us. Facing hosts Cameroon is tough as they play very good football. We want to offer the world a pleasant match between two great African teams. We are ready for this semi-final. It is true that we have played two consecutive matches with extra-time, but we remain ready to play a very good match. We have the right team for this kind of games.”

Prediction: Away Win To Nil (Yes) (39/10)

My money has been on Egypt to go all the way from the onset and I’m confident that Mo Salah will score the first goal of the match and silence the crowd at the Olembe Stadium – priced up at 5/1 in the First Goalscorer market.

Egypt to Qualify is the safer option at 13/10 odds but if imposing centre-forward Mohamed Sherif leads the attack with Salah and Trezeguet in support, Cameroon’s defence will be put the sword and their dreams shattered. My suggestion is Away Win To Nil (Yes) at 39/10.