AFCON 2021: Cameroon vs Egypt match facts, as they prepare to battle in the semis
Cameroon’s hopes of home success at the Africa Cup of Nations would be severely tested as they take on Egypt in the final 4, looking to become the first host nation to win the title in 16 years. After overcoming Comoros and the Gambia in the knockouts, Cameroon are now up against a decidedly tougher foe in Thursday’s semifinal in Yaounde.
Cameroon are the tournament’s top scorers, having found the back of the net 11 times, with two coming in their most recent victory over Gambia. Egypt are their toughest opponent yet, having already made clear their championship winning potential by getting past Cote d’Ivoire and Morocco in their last two matches.
Mohamed Salah and teammates overcame a slow start to remind all of their long-standing tradition of success in the tournament. They’ve won a record seven AFCON titles, two more than their next opponents who are the continent’s next best achievers.
Egypt were the last hosts to win the Africa Cup of Nations in front of their home fans in 2006 and they will be determined to keep that record intact as they look to deny Cameroon the chance to achieve the feat.
Egypt’s Ahmed Hegazi would play no further part in his side’s bid to claim the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations title. The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that the central defender had ruptured his tendon on his adductor muscle during his team’s 2-1 triumph over Morocco at the quarter-finals. The injury which was sustained during the halftime break resulted in Ahmed Trezeguet having to come on and who fortunately for his team, ended up being the match winner scoring in extra time.
Carlos Quieroz has had to deal with the likes of Mohamed Abou Gabal, Akram Tawfik, Hamdi Fathi as well as a few others picking up injuries during the competition. Losing 31 year old Hegazi is certainly a big blow considering that Egypt would be up against the formidable attacking force of hosts Cameroon in the semifinals. However, the North Eastern Africa side have shown that they have depth in their squad having put together a strong string of performances in the tournament.
It might end up being an aggressive and rough match…..both teams know what’s at stake so they might end up with too much hard tackles especially from the Cameroonians….of course both teams are quite skillful with plenty wealth of experience….it should be a good match….