#CAN2017 Final — Tactical match-up

The key to this final for me will be whether Cameroon are willing to take a risk.

There have been subtleties to Hugo Broos’ approach game-by-game. Nonetheless, it was interesting to see him go with two upfront against Ghana in the semi-final, pushing captain Moukandjo out to the right. The bustle of Zoua off the ball kept them compact though, and Jordan Ayew’s movement was too poor to exploit the relatively high line of the Indomitable Lions.

Cameroon also started at a very high tempo, and appeared to catch Ghana off the guard, but were (and remain) impaired by their lack of quality upfront. Burkina Faso did the same against Egypt, and were able to completely control the game, which may give Hugo Broos some encouragement to stick with the same approach.

However, by itself, it was not enough for Burkina Faso until they committed after going behind late on in Libreville. Up until that point, they had been guilty of playing in front of Egypt’s zonal system a little bit. However, after Yago burst forward and opened up the half-space for Kabore to look up and cross for Bance’s finish, timidity again reigned.

Cameroon can ape this approach; about twice a game, Siani makes darting runs beyond the opposing midfield to open up spaces, and how often he is allowed to will be key to deciding the tie. It is a risk though, as a turnover in this situation would leave the midfield protected by Djoum alone.

Salah’s lack of defensive responsibility can also be exploited. The Roma man’s pace is Egypt’s outlet — without it, they’d just be reliant on set-pieces. So he plays a game of chicken against any full-back; charge beyond him, and there is space to be had, but his threat on the break is often enough to keep most honest and at home.

Oyongo has been quietly impressive, and is in my eyes the best left-back in the competition. The variety of his runs too is impressive, and here he may find joy underlapping Moukandjo (or whoever plays on the left) and overloading Egypt through the middle, before exploiting the left half-space.

Egypt have a glut of injuries, and pretty much no fit centre-forward, so it will be interesting to see what Cuper does. Perhaps Trezeguet upfront, with Sobhi coming in on the left? That might be a problem though, as defensively Trezeguet has been immense tracking back. That said, Cameroon do tend to give up chances, and Egypt have been clinical almost to the point of freakishness.

The more I consider this final, the harder it is to call.