Egypt v Cameroon:
Cameroon have been disappointing. Anyone can go off the boil from time to time, and they have been lacklustre.
They have played well for 10-15 minutes at a time before losing track and conceding a goal, but they still managed to get through.
Paul Le Guen's magic wand has deserted him since arriving in Angola.
Egypt are their worst nightmare, as they do not make many mistakes and if the North Africans' team effort is good enough, Cameroon will have to play faultlessly.
They have to find the right partner for Samuel Eto'o, who has managed to bag a couple of goals nevertheless. That man could be Pierre Webo after he came on to make two against Tunisia, but Le Guen is not convinced by him.
The midfield is just as important; Jean II Makoun has disappeared and Achille Emana has not done it either.
Alex Song has played well but the back four look shaky.
Egypt, on the other hand, have looked very convincing.
Tight at the back, dangerous in possession and with depth to cover every position, they have scored seven and conceded one in three games - no mean feat at any level.
They will have the mental edge over Cameroon and, as ever, will work hard and never underestimate them.
There is no doubt that Cameroon have the better individual players but - as we hear time and time again - Egypt are a cohesive unit and the Indomitable Lions will have to play some of their best football if they are to get through.
The Pharaohs also have a deep squad - Gedo has come off the bench to score twice, while Ahmed Al-Mohamady has also done a good job in reserve.
Zambia v Nigeria:
Nigeria are a bit like the Ivory Coast in that I expect a complete 90 minutes from them at some stage.
It has to come in the quarter-final or they will be going home.
They have not convinced so far that they are genuine contenders: players have been under-performing, coach Shaibu Amodu has been making odd selections and substitutions, and there are reports of unrest in the camp.
Zambia, meanwhile, have done really well to get this far.
They had a good game in patches against Cameroon but threw it away by the admission of coach Herve Renard, who pointed to a lack of experience at the highest level as their main weakness.
They have got enough going forward to trouble Nigeria, but are not so solid at the back.
They are the rank outsiders of the remaining eight teams, but have as good a chance as any of making the semis.
Nigeria have to drag themselves out of their lethargy. They do not have enough to win the trophy but a last-four berth would be a decent return given the circumstances.
Football - African Cup of Nations:
Monday 4pm Egypt v Cameroon LIVE on:
Monday 7:30pm Zambia v Nigeria LIVE on:
http://tvmi-temp.blogspot.com
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