The most successful teams in the history of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) are set to go head-to-head later today with the aim of qualifying for the final of the 2021 tournament.

The hosts Cameroon, who have five AFCON titles to their name, will play the record winners Egypt, who have amassed seven titles, at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé.

Thursday's game brings with it an enviable pool of talents as well as a rich soccer history.

The clash will be the 11th AFCON encounter between the two sides. No two teams have met on more occasions in the competition's history.

The Pharaohs haven't lifted the golden trophy since they completed their historic run in 2010.

The Indomitable Lions last won the title in 2017, beating Egypt 2-1 in the final game.

Cameroon's Vincent Aboubakar comes into the game as the tournament's top scorer. His six goals are the most by any player in a single AFCON tournament.

With five goals, Aboubakar's teammate Karl Toko Ekambi has scored the second-most goals in the ongoing competition.

Egypt will be looking to stop Cameroon's attack while banking on the Mohamed Salah-led attack to overpower the hosts.

The North Africans have won three of their last four Africa Cup of Nations games against Cameroon (lost 1), scoring nine goals.

Ahead of the game, both coaches expressed confidence in their side's ability to make it into the championship match against Senegal on Sunday.

"Our goal is clear; to play a good game and go to the final. We will play against a very good team, Egypt, the most successful team in Africa," said Cameroon manager Antonio Conceicao. "They have very good players, including one of the best in the world, namely Mohamed Salah. My players are motivated to win. We have positive pressure, but our objective is clear, to win the title for the Cameroonian people."

On his part, Egypt's coach Carlos Queiroz says reaching the semifinals is a reward but facing Cameroon will be tough.

"They play very good football. We want to offer the world a pleasant match between two great African teams. We are ready for this semifinal. It is true that we have played two consecutive matches with extra-time, but we remain ready to play a very good match. We have the right team for this kind of games."