With Ghana crushing all hopes of 3rd place for Ivory coast, Cameroon takes on Egypt today Sunday 10th. Each side has something to boast about if they win.
A win for Egypt will see Shehata join a rare club of coaches that have won back-to-back titles. The Egyptians are also aiming to add to their record five-title haul after capturing the continental trophy in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998 and 2006. While Cameroon are four-times winners, celebrating victory in 1984, 1988, 2000 and 2002.
Should Cameroon win Sunday's final of the Africa Cup of Nations, they will justifiably be able to lay claim to being the continent's most successful football nation. And indeed, leveling with the Pharaohs on five African crowns apiece, yet Cameroon can back up those titles with other feats. Cameroon is one of just two African countries to have reached the last eight of the World Cup, having done so in 1990, they are also the only one to have appeared at five World Cup finals. Furthermore, Cameroon has also won Olympic gold, triumphing in dramatic style against Spain at Sydney 2000.
So the only thing missing from any Indomitable Lions fan's argument about their team is the right to say no one else has won more Nations Cups.
At the age of 31, captain Rigobert Song has played more Nations Cup matches than anyone in history and will be contesting his 33rd game on Sunday.
Although his pace has diminished, his experience always shines through - or perhaps, more recently, it is the sight of nephew Alexandre in midfield that spurs him on.
Up front, the incomparable Samuel Eto'o has already made his mark in Ghana - having overtaken the highest scoring tally of goals in the finals.
As Pfister, having coached in african for more than three decades, chases his first Nations Cup success , he can take heart from
the fact that Cameroon won their inaugural title in 1984 after losing
their opening match that year - to Egypt. He also bids to become only the second German coach to win the title.
Winfried Schafer was the first, in 2002 with Cameroon.
However, the fact that Cameroon lost their opening Group C match against the Pharaohs, Egypt coach Hassan Shehata is banking on the psychological edge from his side to another victory
, as well as team spirit.
"We have a side that plays for each other and maybe even for me as coach," the former international said on Saturday.
"I think there is an understanding that we have, a special bond. I
think we will win," added Shehata, who is seeking to become only the
second coach to win successive Nations Cups.
Shehata hopes to grab his second title with Egypt
after clinching the 2006 title. He could become the first coach to
retain the title in more than 40 years, joining three-time winner
Charles Gyamfi, who claimed a double with Ghana in 1965. Gyamfi also
led Ghana to its last win in 1982.
