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African Cup of Nations

Egypt should have too much in the tank for Angola

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Dan "The Betting Man" Fitch previews the African Cup of Nations' quarter-final clash between Angola and Egypt

Where did it all go right for the African Nations Cup? Prior tournaments have mainly been notable for the look of sheer desperation on Garth Crooks' face, as he waited in vain for an exciting match. But I've enjoyed this year's tournament and not just because it means that I haven't had to watch Didier Zokora running around aimlessly at White Hart Lane.

One thing any successful football tournament needs is a plucky outsider, that performs beyond expectations. Angola have been the surprise team in the African Nations Cup and tonight they play the holders Egypt, for a semi final spot against Ivory Coast.

This is the first time that Angola have progressed past the group stages and they couldn't have landed a much tougher draw. Egypt and Ivory Coast are probably the tournament's two strongest teams, which explains Angola's position as rank outsider to win the tournament at a price of [48].

Egypt are a much more realistic [9.8] to take the title, which could represent a good bet. Should the Pharaohs do the expected and brush Angola aside, they will give Ivory Coast a tough match. I think the price of [2.2] for Ivory Coast, is a little premature and a definite lay at this stage.

The Egyptians will be able to select a full strength side for the first time in this tournament, with midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika having regained full fitness. Mohamed Zidan should return to the forward line and is available at [13.5] to be top goalscorer, though the [8.4] available for Hosni Abd Rabo (with three goals) is more realistic, if you fancy an alternative to Samuel Eto'o.

I expect Egypt to progress and the [1.85] on offer is a fair price, with Angola at [5.5] and the draw [3.5]. However, Angola defend well as a team, as proved by their narrow defeat to Portugal and goalless draw with Mexico in the 2006 World Cup. It might be worth having a small bet on 0-0 as cover, with the most boring of draws available at [12]. Let's hope this isn't the case though. The feelings of Déjà vu and the image of the despairing Garth Crooks, would be too much for me to take.