Prediction: Cameroon vs Egypt

Verdict: Cameroon to qualify 

Best Odds: 6/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

With a spot in the final of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations up for grabs on Thursday night, Cameroon and Egypt will meet at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé.

Cameroon

Starting with the hosts, booking their spot in Thursday’s semi-final thanks to a routine display over the weekend, there is no doubt that Toni Conceição’s men will be looking to keep up that momentum. Dominating from the opening whistle and more than deserving of their 2-0 win against Gambia in Douala, the Greens have been tipped by many as a standout pick to claim their sixth Africa Cup of Nations crown this month. Breezing their way out of Group A and with a 1-1 draw against Cape Verde the only minor blip on their adventure so far, Cameroon have continued on an impressive purple patch over the past nine months. In fact, Conceição’s side are in the midst of a nine-match unbeaten run across all formats, winning eight of those outings. Looking to lay down a real marker and likely to be backed by a vocal home support, it is worth keeping an eye out for Lyon’s Karl Toko Ekambi on Thursday. Bagging both goals against Gambia over the weekend, the 29-year-old has five goals at this year’s tournament.

Team News

Featuring in all five of Cameroon’s matchups at this year’s tournament, Napoli’s Andre Zambo Anguissa will once again start in midfield.

Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will be hoping for a recall on Thursday night.

Egypt

As for the visitors, managing to come past what was another nail-biting affair over the weekend, there is no doubt that Egypt have gained a host of plaudits for their resolve at this year’s tournament. Eventually coming from behind against Morocco and snatching an extra-time winner in Yaoundé, Carlos Queiroz’s men are desperate to build on their recording-breaking title tally this month. However, while they might have seven Africa Cup of Nations crowns to their name, the Pharaohs have not lifted the title since way back in 2010. Nevertheless, while Thursday’s guests might have opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nigeria, they have largely bounced back over the past three weeks. Including that thrilling penalties victory against the Ivory Coast on January 26th, Egypt have won each of their last four contests. However, while Queiroz’s side might open as an outside pick here, they do have one attacking MVP in their ranks. Once again finding the net against Morocco, Mohamed Salah will be looking to drag his side over the finish line again.

Team News

Forced off against Morocco over the weekend, former West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi has been ruled out for the remainder of this month’s tournament.

Likewise, first-choice goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy is suffering with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to return here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two nations last faced off back in 2017, Cameroon picked up a 2-1 victory on foreign soil.
• Cameroon are enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run across all formats, recording eight wins.
• Egypt have failed to score more than a single goal in normal time from any of their five matchups at this year’s tournament.
• Cameroon striker Karl Toko Ekambi has five goals to his name so far.
• Six of the last seven meetings between Thursday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Egypt might have once again come past a nervy affair with Morocco over the weekend, the African record-breakers will know they face a stern test at the Olembe Stadium here. Watching Cameroon claim a deserved 2-0 win against Gambia, it is no secret that Thursday’s hosts are tipped as a standout pick to claim their sixth Africa Cup of Nations crown this month. Landing a 2-1 victory when they last faced off against their midweek opponents back in 2017, we’re backing the Greens to extend on their adventure when they’re backed by a vocal home support.

Verdict: Cameroon to qualify

Best Odds: 6/11

Bookmaker: Unibet