Quarter-finalsSaturday Burkina Faso vs Tunisia 6pmSenegal vs Cameroon 9pmSunday DR Congo vs Ghana 6pmEgypt vs Morocco 9pm LIBREVILLE – Ghana and Senegal were considered the early favourites at the African Nations Cup finals but as the group stage came to its conclusion, Egypt emerged from a slow start to show off their credentials as potential champions. Egypt have played at more finals and won more matches and titles than any other country but have been conspicuous by their absence over the last seven years. The Pharaohs followed three successive titles from 2006 with as many failures to qualify for the finals as their fortunes slumped dramatically, fuelled by the political and social unrest following the Arab Spring. The lengthy absence was evident as they looked nervous and over-cautious in their opening fixture in Gabon but after the goalless draw with Mali in Port Gentil, they improved dramatically to win their next two matches. A 1-0 victory over Ghana on Wednesday confirmed them as Group D winners, booking a quarter-final meeting with North African rivals Morocco. “The Egyptians try to play a combination game while other teams are, after a second or third pass, trying to take a long shot or make a long pass in the hope of winning the second ball,” former Cameroon coach Volker Finke, who is attending the tournament in Gabon, told reporters. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
