كتب : Omar AbdelAziz
Apart from the ambition of grabbing an unprecedented third straight title, defending champions Egypt have an eye on a prospected semi-final clash with Algeria, who shocked Ivory Coast on Sunday.
The Egyptian community would like nothing more than a victory over the in-form Fennecs, who shattered the African champs' World Cup hopes after a tense qualifying contest last year.
On the other hand, Cameroon will be eager to halt Egypt's 'humiliation' to the Lions in recent years, according to Samuel Eto'o.
After dramatically dashing Cameroon's 2006 World Cup hopes, the Pharaohs beat Eto'o and Co. twice in Ghana 2008, including the final in Accra.
Overshadowed by the top clash of the day, another interesting encounter takes place in Lubango as Group D winners Zambia take on Nigeria.
Egypt
"Our task is not easy, even with the fact that Cameroon collected only four points in the first round. We should respect Cameroon, who have a great history and great players," said Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan.
Team News: Hassan did not train since the win over Benin due to a calf problem, but should be fit for the game.
Defender Hani Saied is expected to return after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Star man: The ever-green Hassan is Egypt's most consistent player so far in Angola.
Player to watch: Mohamed Zidan hit a remarkable brace against the Lions in Ghana 2008 and will be eager to score his first goal of the tournament.
Cameroon
"We will fight and do our best because they have humiliated us for some time now," said Eto'o.
Team News: Eto'o has been reportedly struggling with a sore toe in training, but should make the starting lineup.
Star man: The competition's all-time leading goalscorer Eto'o scored four goals out of five for Cameroon against Egypt during the last four encounters.
Player to watch: Arsenal's Alexander Song is a pivotal figure in the Lions' midfield.
Nigeria
"We are looking forward to a good match. We believe in ourselves. Of course, we have respect for the Zambians, but we will play our game and work towards reaching the semifinals," veteran Nwankwo Kanu said.
Team News: Nigeria will miss captain Joseph Yobo, who is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Star man: Main striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
Player to watch: Peter Odemwingie showed what he can do with a brace against Mozambique.
Zambia
"We played Nigeria three weeks ago (pre-tournament friendly 0-0 draw) and we played very well. I think now teams will be very careful about Zambia. We will go out to play our football, try to stay organized and try to play as quick as we usually do," said Zambia boss Herve Renard.
Star man: Skipper Christopher Katongo is an indispensible member in Renard's selection.
Player to watch: Striker James Chamanga.