Defending champions Egypt face Ivory Coast in a tough African Cup of Nations semi-final, in which duel challenges are likely to be fierce. Ivory Coast have a star-studded squad, which consists of players plying their trade in powerful European teams. Egypt's squad, which mainly consists of locally-based players, proved to be competent in Ghana so far, but they will have to demonstrate their abilities against The Elephants. FilGoal.com brings you a brief analysis of some of the expected dual battles in the anticipating encounter. Salomon Kalou V Hani Saied: Chelsea forward Kalou played a pivotal role in Ivory Coast's impressive run in the Nations Cup. He was given a new role by Gerard Gili, which he superbly fulfilled. He neither plays as a forward nor runs on the wings. Kalou instead comes from behind to ghost behind the backline and strike home. The former Feyenoord man is helped by the moves of Didier Drogba and Aruna Dindane as the striking duo creates space for him inside the area. Egypt sweeper Saied will likely be the man responsible for halting Kalou's runs. The Ismaili defender moves towards any unmarked opponent. He has been solid in Egypt's backline since the Nations Cup started. Aruna Dindane V Shadi Mohamed: Dindane hasn't been efficient in front of goal, but he still troubles his markers through his energetic moves and his physical prowess. Egypt central defender Shadi will have to use his ability to intercept the ball via clean tackles in order to oppose Dindane's threat. The Ahli man was outpaced by Angola striker Manucho more than once, so he must be on full alert against Dindane. Didier Drogba V Wael Gomaa: Drogba's killer instinct heavily helps him. He scored three goals so far and is rated as Ivory Coast's man threat.
Zaki: great abilities His marker will most probably be combative defender Wael Gomaa, who is renowned for keeping Africa's top strikers at bay. Gomaa's physical attributes will definitely assist him in his battle with the prolific Chelsea man. Ahmed Fathi V Arthur Boka: Ivory Coast's full-back Boka has notably improved his attacking capabilities, which was quite clear in the Elephants thrashing 5-0 victory over Guinea. But Egypt's right-back Fathi can take advantage of the spaces Boka leaves behind him when he goes forward. Ahli versatile man Fathi penetrates well down the right flank, but he has to provide more accurate crosses if he is to support Egypt's frontmen. Emmanuel Eboue V Sayed Moawad: The outstanding Eboue is considered by many as the best right-back in the world. His mercurial runs frustrate any opponent as he goes as far as the byline and provide pinpoint crosses. Egypt's left-back Moawad had ups and downs in the competition. He demonstrated his attacking abilities against Zambia but he won't have an easy mission against Eboue. He must be fully concentrated on improving his defensive skills if he is to stop Eboue going forward. Yaya Toure V Mohamed Shawky: The giant Toure is intimidating in the heart of Ivory Coast midfield. He plays several defensive and offensive roles and accomplishes them perfectly. Shawky was below-par when he tried to push forward in the past matches due to his too many misplaced passes and slow moves, yet he is brilliant in his own half. The Middlesbrough man must be given just defensive roles in order to prevent Toure from going forward. Mohamed Abou-Treika V Didier Zokora: Zokora benefited from his time at Tottenham Hotspur. The midfielder intercepts the ball and participates in the build-up to the attacking attempt. Nevertheless, his performance is marked by some slow moves. Mohamed Abou-Treika is not that fast, but he knows how to us
