Egypt will be looking to create a major shock at the African Cup of Nations by dumping out title holders Cameroon. The north African side need to beat the Indomitable Lions to secure their place in the last eight, while a draw for Cameroon will see them through.
« That’s history now. We have to put that behind us as well as our 2-1 defeat last week to Algeria, » said Salah.
« They were heartbreaking defeats. »
« We respect Cameroon but we can’t allow them to look down upon us. It’s a very important game for both teams and it will be very tough. »
Egypt’s talented midfielder Hazem Emam will sit out his second match in succession, despite being a firm favourite with the fans.
Coach Salah is set to name an unchanged team for the match with Ahmed « Mido » Hossam and Ahmed Belal leading the attack.
Cameroon are coming into the game off the back of an entertaining 5-3 win over Zimbabwe.
However, hat-trick hero Patrick Mboma knows that his side cannot to afford to leak that number of goals against a side like Egypt.
« I hope we’ll make progress, perhaps not by scoring more goals but by conceding fewer, or better still, none at all, » he said.
The Japan-based striker will lead the attack again and is likely to be partnered by Real Majorca forward Samuel Eto’o.
Modeste Mbami has shown his attacking instincts from midfield, with two goals to his name, and he is also likely to be starter.
