AFRICAN NATIONS

Arsenal's Alex Song is keen not to get too caught up in the past and concentrate on the present which is a meeting with Egypt in the African Nations Cup quarter-finals this evening.

Much has been made in the build-up of the clash turning into a grudge match following the Pharaohs' triumph over their opponents in the final two years ago in Ghana.
On that occasion at Ohene Djan Stadium, Mohamed Aboutrika scored the solitary goal to hand his side the victory, but the absence of the influential Egyptian playmaker and several other key players from their squad could play in Cameroon's favour.

But Arsenal midfielder Song is having none of it and has called for focus on what needs to be done in Benguela.
"Now we are in 2010 and it is a different ball game entirely,'' he said. "That was 2008 and I think it will be wrong to approach the match with revenge in mind.
"That will blind us to the reality of the situation. In 2008, we lost to them and that is gone. Now we have to look at them through the eyes of the present.''

Paul Le Guen's World Cup-bound team have been below par throughout the tournament thus far, conceding goals all too easily in their three games and they only just scraped through to the last eight.

Song, whose side should be at full strength for the game, added: "The Lubango group was not easy. Zambia, Gabon and Tunisia are great football playing nations and respect should be accorded them.

"The lesson we have learnt that a team like Cameroon should be alert at all times. The moment you lose concentration, you are punished.''

Hassan Shehata's Egypt did have a fitness doubt over their captain Ahmed Hassan, but the midfielder has revealed that he will be fit and could win a record 170th cap if he does feature.

The Al-Ahly veteran is expecting a tough encounter for the six-time champions and has warned against taking their out-of-form opponents lightly.

Reflecting on his groin injury sustained earlier in the competition, he added: "I preferred to sit out training today (Saturday) to have some rest and be ready for the last training session before the game.
"I will be fit to play against Cameroon.''

The game is a real tough one to call, and with both outsiders coming through yesterday's first quarter finals the betting for the outright has taken a new look. Algeria were impressive in beating pre-tournament favourites, Ivory Coast and their departure opens the door for the likes of Egypt and Cameroon. It wouldn't be the worst bet in the world to back both to win at, because whoever comes through will prefer to meet Algeria or Ghana in the final than home nation Angola or Ivory Coast.

You'd have to fancy both Egypt and Cameroon to see off Zambia or Nigeria in the semis. Egypt are still favs at 11/4 with Cameroon 5/1 to lift the trophy. Egypt are 6/4 to win in 90 minutes and Cameroon 12/5 best. But this could be close and backing the draw at 9/4 might be safest if you need a bet.

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Published 25-01-2010

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