“Many spectators attending Sunday’s quarter-final in Luanda were surprised to be handed condoms upon entry – with the donors perhaps mindful of how an earlier victory had prompted some Angolans to parade naked through the streets. Either way, the message seemed to be – ‘Make love, not war’ – which, even though the Ghanaians punctured their hosts’ happy bubble, was timely. For last night, Egypt beat Cameroon 3-1 to set up a repeat of their intense World Cup play-off against bitter foes Algeria, a game that sparked outbreaks of violence and enormous tensions across the Arab world.” (BBC)

Egypt-Algeria rivalry spills deeper
“Hosni Mubarak isn’t a man accustomed to defeat. The Egyptian president, after all, has been in charge for more than 30 years, outflanking regional and global rivals with consummate ease. Even Egypt’s electoral process offers him scant chance of coming second: He romped during the 2005 elections with almost 90 percent of the vote.” (SI)

Cameroon fury as Hassan ‘goal’ helps Egypt progress
“Defending champions Egypt became the third team to reach the semi-finals of the Africa
Cup of Nations last night, overcoming Cameroon 3-1 after extra time in a match marred by a controversial third goal in Benguela.” (Independent)

The Footballl History Between Egypt & Algeria
“Tomorrow is the African Nations Cup’s semifinals match between Egypt and Algeria and everybody is already tensed about this (pay back) match for the Egyptians and (survival for the fittest) match for the Algerians. I just hope this will pass with no violence between the two teams or among the supporters.” (DailyIntake)

Revenge not an issue for Gomaa
“Wael Gomaa insists defending champions Egypt are not thinking about revenge ahead of their African Nations Cup semi-final against arch rivals Algeria. The two north-African giants meet in Benguela for the right to face either Ghana or Nigeria who will clash in the other last-four clash, a derby from the west of the continent.” (ESPN)

Angola players back coach Manuel Jose to stay on
“Two senior Angolan players have told BBC Sport that they want Manuel Jose to continue as coach of the national team in the wake of their elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations. The Palancas Negras were beaten 1-0 by Ghana in the quarter-finals on Sunday, leaving several players in tears in front of their home crowd.” (BBC)

Amodu confident of Nigeria success
“Shaibu Amodu admits traditional rivalry will be an added incentive when Nigeria come up against Ghana in the African Nations Cup semi-final but is confident his team can prevail. The two west African giants clash in Luanda in one of two final-four derbies – the other seeing Egypt take on Algeria in the battle of the north – as the tournament reaches its closing stages.” (ESPN)