Egypt v Angola preview

Semi-final spot at stake

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 4th February 2008

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Egypt and Angola lock horns on Monday for the chance to play Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

Defending champions Egypt have been impressive so far, cruising to victories over Cameroon and Sudan before drawing 1-1 with Zambia to clinch top spot in Group C.

Angola are also unbeaten after battling their way through a tough group with draws against Tunisia and South Africa and a 3-1 win over Senegal.

Egypt will start as slight favourites as coach Hassan Shehata has a full-strength squad to choose from for the first time in the tournament.

Midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika has returned to full fitness after twice coming off the bench to score.

Mohamed Zidan is expected to return in a three-man attack after being a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Zambia.

Shehata said: "We came here to win. Our responsibility is greater than the other teams here in Ghana because we are the defending champions. We're here to retain our title."

Figueredo boost

Angola have been boosted by the news that captain Paulo Figueredo, who has missed the last two games through injury, should be fit to return.

Flavio is set to come back in to partner Manchester United youngster Manucho in attack.

Flavio and midfielder Gilberto both ply their trade with Egyptian club Al Ahly and Angola will look to use their knowledge.

Defender Rui Marques believes an upset is possible, saying: "We believed we could do it (reach the quarter-finals) and from now we must try to win because we want to achieve something.

"We're working well, and the results are coming, and we're focusing on this game.

"It will be a difficult game, a hard game, but anything is possible."