In a terrific and thrilling evening, 2 Semi finals played out. Contrasting stories, Devastating results, Sublime football. Let me start by saying that the AFCON has been great. It has been thoroughly enjoying to watch teams in the knockout phases. The story has played out better than any soapie you could find on daytime television.

A brief review:

Ghana spent almost the entirety of their alloted 90 minutes attacking a very stubborn Cameroon. Sumptuous build up play however well executed was let down by woeful (painfully so) finishing. It was Ghana’s demise at the world cup 2006 and popped up again last night. Its unfortunate but now needs to be addressed. Ghana have a fantastic football attitude in that they rarely protest and get on with their game. Cameroon were dogged, defending most of the game, but keeping themselves well and truly in it. 71 minutes into the game, it took a moment of pure counter-attacking brilliance to claim the match and Cameroon provided it, with a total of 4 passes from defence to attack in a move that would please any hardened footy fan. Substitute Alain Nkong finishing delightfully after some very slick, simple and match winning interplay. Cue the host nations heartbreak.

I like that they have hour breaks between games because it gives one some time to reflect on the game. Ghana whist unlucky will have a clear goal of how to progress in 2010. They do everything but finish and it has cost them progression again. I recommend plenty of shooting practice. The do have a team that will challenge the worlds best, that is for sure. Cameroon have done well to get to where they are. Defensively they were reasonably tight, The moment of brilliance was a superb demonstration of how to tactically defeat a team who assault your goal constantly without any result. The Lions now go on to battle a team that in all likelihood could have them shaking in their collective boots.

Egypt demolished favorites Ivory Coast. The best African performance I have ever seen. The mighty elephants were left reeling after the full time whistle. Clinical and efficient were the perfect adjectives for a performance that literally came from nowhere.

Although it all started with a twice deflected goal, the Egyptians went on to deliver a 5 star performance. The speed they deployed the ball was dizzying to a very highly rated Ivory Coast squad brimming with Africa’s biggest names. The quality of the finishing was also great. Egypt were looking like a team that knew their path and they were determined to sprint through it.

Essam El-Hadary the Egyptian keeper defined the game with a performance that will have alerted many scouts worldwide. He was the best player on the park. He did what Europes elite fail to do regularly and kept Drogba completely at bay. He saved everything that came his way except the homing missile which bright star Kader Keita unleashed in the second half. Keita had a great tournament and will reflect on this tournament as a personal success.

Goals from Ahmed Fathi, Amr Zaki (2) and Mohamed Aboutraika thrust Egypt into the final.

Cameroon vs Egypt, not many peoples final predictions. The prospect however is mouthwatering! The winner will no doubt deserve it and go on to represent the continent in next years eagerly awaited Confederations cup and match their skills with the worlds football super-powers, Italy and Brazil lay ahead and there are more to come!