Egypt and Algeria clash for the fourth time in ten months in the African Cup of Nations semi-final, amid hopes from both sides for a decent football showdown. The meeting comes 70 days after a fiery World Cup qualifying campaign involving the North African rivals and marred by extravagant off-field unrest. However, this time the media in both nations have toned down the pre-match hype and pundits are talking football. "I hope this match would mark a new chapter between Egypt and Algeria," said Algeria legend Rabah Madjer. "A football match should never cause problems among nations. I really hope to see the losing team congratulating the winner after the game." Egypt, gunning for an unprecedented third straight title, are aiming to make amends for their failure to reach the World Cup, while the Fennecs of Algeria are out to demonstrate their credentials. Both teams impressively overcame World Cup finalists Ivory Coast and Cameroon in the quarter finals and winners will be considered favorites to lift the trophy on January 31st. In Luanda, Ghana's match with Nigeria is a little overshadowed by the North African derby, however, it remains as a high-profile African clash. Egypt "Against Cameroon, we were partially focused on the potential meeting with Algeria; it affected our performance. But we are not thinking of revenge. We only want to win," said Egypt defender Wael Gomaa. "We are eager to reach the final and win the cup in order to compensate the fans after our failure to make the World Cup." Team News: Hassan Shehata has a fully-fit squad, but no changes are expected to be made to the side that beat Cameroon. Star man: Midfield maestro Ahmed Hassan is a firm favorite to win the Player of the Tournament award thanks to his dazzling displays in Angola. Player to watch: Supersub Mohamed Nagi 'Geddo' is the competition's joint-top scorer, even though he hasn't started a single game.
Algeria "Egypt are a very good team. We (Algeria) are also on a high momentum after a false start in the competition. It's a big game. We will try to learn from our previous games for a convincing result. We are under no form of pressure," said Algeria's Nadir Belhadj. Team News: Schemer Karim Ziani did not train regularly in recent days, but is expected to shrug off a thigh problem. Star man: Midfield wizard Ziani. Player to watch: Lazio's Mourad Meghni inspired Algeria's midfield after returning to the starting line-up against Ivory Coast. Ghana "I know they will come into the game with a lot of determination because we defeated them in the last competition and they will try to use the match to avenge that defeat. But we are bent on winning the game because you can only win a competition by playing the best team at every stage," said Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan. Team News: The Black Stars could welcome back midfielder Anthony Annan, but miss star man Michael Essien. Star man: Playmaker Andre Ayew is enjoying a fine campaign so far in Angola and has established his place in the Black Stars first team. Player to watch: Midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah. Nigeria "We are playing one of the top teams in Africa, and that is a huge task," he said. "They have some exciting players, most of whom played at the U-20 World Cup, and those players are still hungry to achieve more," said manager Shaibu Amodu. Team News: Onyekachi Apam is suspended after being sent off against Zambia. Captain Joseph Yobo is out injured. Star man: Target man Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Player to watch: Pacey winger Peter Odemwingie.
