Soccer-Tough examination of hosts hopes as Cameroon clash with Egypt in semis

By Mark Gleeson

(Reuters) - Cameroon's hopes of home success at the Africa Cup of Nations will undergo a first serious examination as they take on Egypt in the semi-final, seeking to become the first host nation to win the title in 16 years.

After overcoming the low-ranked Comoros Islands and Gambia in their two knockout round matches, Cameroon are now up against a decidedly tougher proposition in Thursday's semi-final at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.

That match against Egypt is preceded on Wednesday by the first semi-final between Burkina Faso and Senegal at Yaounde’s Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.

Cameroon are the tournament’s top scorers, but some of their performances have been low on conviction and oftentimes languid.

Egypt are their toughest opponent yet, having already made clear their championship-winning potential by getting past the Ivory Coast and Morocco in their last two matches.

Mohamed Salah and teammates overcame a slow start to remind of their long-standing tradition of success in the Cup of Nations. They have won a record seven previous titles, two more than Cameroon, who are the next best achievers.

Egypt were the last hosts to win a Cup of Nations in front of their own fans in 2006. Since then, there have been seven tournaments where the home team have failed.

The COVID-19 pandemic means there are restrictions on the crowds in Cameroon, and little of the delirious fervour that often accompanies the home team.

Much improved security has also been promised for Thursday’s match after last week’s deadly stadium crush in which eight people were killed.

Cameroon will still be hoping enthusiastic support helps them against Egypt, who have lost influential defender Ahmed Hegazi to an adductor tear and have injury