Egypt v Cameroon:ALEX SONG is keen not to get too caught up in the past and to concentrate on the present which is a meeting with Egypt in the African Nations Cup quarter-finals today.
Much has been made in the build-up of the clash turning into a grudge match following the Pharaohs’ triumph over Cameroon 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..
“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. 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 is 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 he will be fit and he should win a record 170th cap. The Al-Ahly veteran is expecting a tough encounter.
“Our task is not easy, even with the fact that Cameroon collected only four points in the first round. We should respect Cameroon, who have a great history and great players.”
Nigeria v Zambia:PETER ODEMWINGIE believes Nigeria must beat Zambia in the African Nations Cup quarter-finals tonight if they are to take any positives out of the competition.
Two years ago Nigeria were dumped out by hosts Ghana at the same stage but they are keen to make amends when they come up against this year’s surprise contenders.
The Zambian team are abuzz with confidence ahead of the last-eight clash in Lubango, but the Lokomotiv Moscow forward is confident Nigeria can silent them.
“If you look at the results already achieved in this competition, big teams have been shocked, but their character and pedigree has brought them back.
“We went out in the quarter-final two years ago, we can’t afford to lose out again at this stage or else we have not done anything to improve in the last two years.” Odemwingie, who has scored two goals so far in the tournament, also revealed Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Mozambique in their final group game has helped to lift spirits after below-par performances in their previous games.
He added: “Against Mozambique, Nigeria really announced our entry into the competition. My goals have brought out our confidence and now we believe we can go further to win the cup.”
However, Shaibu Amodo’s team will have to make do without captain Joseph Yobo, as the Everton defender has been ruled out of the competition due to a hamstring injury.
Zambia midfielder Felix Katongo is not fazed by the size of the task facing his underdogs.
They surprisingly topped Group D ahead of the likes of Cameroon and Tunisia to seal a place in the last eight for the first time since 1996.
Katongo said: “We were not surprised (by our progress). This is a new era for Zambian football.”
However, Herve Renard’s team will have to make do without influential midfielder Kalaba Rainford, who played key roles in the 3-2 loss to Cameroon and 2-1 win over Gabon in the opening stages.
