Egypt and Cameroon lock horns in the final of the African Cup of Nations on Sunday in a replay of their Group C game. The unbeaten Pharaohs have produced some slick football throughout the tournament, and are looking to stretch their title-winning record to six in Accra. On the other hand, the Indomitable Lions are definitely still feeling the bitterness of their 4-2 thrashing defeat to the Egyptians in the group stage. However, it was a game which shook Otto Pfister's team out of their slumbers, as they grabbed four straight victories en route to the final. Egypt "We have a side that plays for each other and maybe even for me as coach," said Egypt manager Hassan Shehata. "I think there is an understanding that we have a special bond. I think we will win." Shehata is aiming for an unprecedented achievement by an Egyptian coach, as he is 90 minutes away from leading the Pharaohs to back-to-back African titles. "I never sleep the night before the game. I have hardly slept at all this tournament. Not even pills help me," added the 59-year-old. Team News: Key midfielder Mohamed Shawky is expected to retain his place in the starting eleven after he missed out on the Ivory Coast win.
Eto'o leads scorers Shehata will decide whether to start with Ahmed Hassan or keep the skipper for a later second-half appearance. Striker Mohamed Zidan has fully recovered from an ankle injury, but is unlikely to start ahead of the on-fire Mohamed Abou-Treika. Probable Line-Up: Al-Hadari- Gomaa, Shadi, Moawad, Fathi, H.Saied- Abd-Rabou, Shawky, Abou-Treika- Zaki, Meteb. Cameroon "We are mentally very strong and I think Cameroon has the best bench in the competition,'' Pfister said. "I can bring anyone on and there will be no difference with the play, perhaps only tactical. We have progressed match by match. "Now we are in the final in this very important tournament. It's not for me, but for the president of the Republic of Cameroon and for the poor boy in the streets of Yaounde and Douala and all the people of the country.'' Team News: Midfielder Alexandre Song has been passed fit despite missing Saturday's training after he sustained an injury against Ghana. But the Lions will be without center-half Andre Bikey, who received straight red in the 1-0 semi-final win after he foolishly shoved a member of the medical team. Probable Line-Up: Kameni- R.Song, Tchato, Atouba, Binya- Geremi, Mbia, Emana, A.Song- Eto'o, Job.
