AFCON 2022: Four teams remain but who will make it to the final?

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24 teams started the quest to be crowned Africa’s champion, now we are down to the final four.

The semi-finals are upon us but can we comfortably say these are the best four teams on the continent? Now that is a conversation that will divide opinions.

As with every major sporting event, an extended run by the host country is required to ensure that attention from a domestic standpoint helps to boost the competition. Cameroon have been good hosts on the pitch, scoring the most goals so far and providing the tournament’s two top goalscorers. Off the pitch, they have left plenty to be desired but will be counting down to February 6th to get this all done and dusted.

Cameroon, Egypt, Burkina Faso and Senegal make up our final four. Will we have a repeat of the opening game between Cameroon and Burkina Faso or will a final made on Merseyside grace the African stage? We are just two matches away from knowing the identity of the 33rd set of finalists for Africa’s top football competition.

Burkina Faso v Senegal

The Stallions of Burkina Faso stand a chance to make it to only their second final in AFCON history but standing in their way is another golden generation of Senegalese football, who are looking to reach consecutive finals and also finally lift the holy grail that has eluded them.

The Burkinabes have played with heart and a sprinkle of indiscipline here and there, but they are worthy of their place in the final four. Senegal has grown into the competition and are finally showing their ruthlessness in front of goal as the flood gates were opened in the quarter-finals.

Burkina Faso will potentially have two forwards missing for this clash, hence a returning Bertrand Traore is a very welcome addition and would be expected to lead the Stallions to the final. Senegal have a few returnees, in particular, Ismaïla Sarr who got on the score sheet on his return and seemed to be peaking at the right time.

This will be a blood and thunder clash and do not be surprised if we get a sending off in this one. There may be extra time on the cards for this one and it is anybody’s game to win.

Cameroon v Egypt

Five AFCON triumphs versus seven AFCON successes. The two most decorated teams in the history of the competition go head-to-head in a repeat of the 2017 final clash which Cameroon won. The Indomitable Lions have scored the most goals so far in the competition and look unstoppable in attack, but the Pharaohs look like a solid unit defensively.

Carlos Queiroz’s side has also grown into the tournament after their defeat in the first game against Nigeria. Mohamed Salah is finally ticking and having a greater influence on the games. Egypt’s resoluteness has been quite impressive, coming from behind to get the better of Morocco proves that they cannot be taken lightly.

Cameroon will have the home crowd cheering them on which the Egyptians need to block off and remain steadfast in their pursuit for an eighth AFCON title. This one also seems like it would go the full 120 minutes for a finalist to emerge.

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