Hosts Cameroon and Egypt will battle for a place in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final when they meet the Paul Mbiya Stadium in Olembe on Thursday, February 3, kick-off at 19h00 GMT.
The Indomitable Lions earned their place in the semi-final with a 2-0 win over Gambia last Saturday, courtesy of Karl Toko-Ekambi’s brace.
Manager Antonio Conceicao’s tactics proved highly effective in subduing the speed and short-passing game of Gambia, with Cameroon’s midfield domination and speed on the flanks eventually bringing them a deserved victory.
Cameroon have shown tactical flexibility, athleticism, speed and a fine defensive discipline in their campaign, and they will fancy their chances of claiming victory at home.
“Our goal is clear; to play a good game and go to the final. We will play against a very good team, Egypt, the most successful team in Africa. They have very good players, including one of the best in the world, namely Mohamed Salah,” said coach Conceicao in pre-match interview.
“My players are motivated to win. We have positive pressure, but our objective is clear, to win the title for the Cameroonian people.”
Despite reaching the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal for second time in six year, the Pharaohs who are seven-time African champions have a lot to prove having not won the tournament in 12years.
Egypt needed extra time to defeat Morocco 2-1 in their quarterfinal on Sunday evening. The North Africans came from behind to score an equalizer from Mohamed Salah before Mohamed Tezeguet grabbed the late winner.
“To reach the semifinals 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,” said Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz.
“ We are ready for this semifinal. 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.”
In head-to-head terms, Cameroon and Egypt have met in 27 matches. The Indomitable Lions have claimed six wins compared to 15 for the Pharaohs, while seven games have been drawn.
The teams’ last meeting African Cup of Nations was in Gabon 2017 final which ended 2-1 in favour of Cameroon.
