Afcon 2021: Predicting Egypt's XI vs Cameroon - Ever-present Salah, Elneny to start

He is set to make his first start in the tournament as Mohamed El Shenawy and Mohamed Abou Gabal - the first and second goalkeeping choices, respectively - remain doubtful after picking up injuries in the last two games.

Kamal has been a consistent figure in the Egyptian team and is highly likely to keep his place. Kamal's ability to effectively block the opponents' attacks and offer additional attacking threats will be key for the Pharaohs as they face the hosts.

The Zamalek full-back was solid against Morocco as he was able to frustrate the Atlas Lions' strategy of attacking from the wing, and such a performance should certainly guarantee him a start against the Indomitable Lions.

Since he replaced Akram Tawfik, who got injured in the group opening game against Nigeria, Abdelmonem has been an ever-present figure in Carlos Queiroz's starting team and his consistent performances should keep him among the starters.

He had developed a solid partnership with Hegazi but will now have to adapt to life without the injured Al-Ittihad centre-back as a new partner is expected to be named alongside him for the semi-final duel.

El Solia is among the players that featured in the entirety of the encounter against Morocco, and a further start on Thursday should be a reward from the technical bench for his consistency.

Egypt will need the experience of the Arsenal man in midfield as they battle the five-time champions, and this makes Elneny undroppable for such a big game.

In a tactical change occasioned by Hegazi's injury against Morocco, Trezeguet was introduced in the 46th minute and went on to score the winning goal. 

With Hegazi ruled out of the tournament, Trezeguet is expected to be a starter against Cameroon and in the final should they negotiate their way into the ultimate stage.

He scored the equaliser against the Atlas Lions before he provided the assist for the winning goal, and being the captain, his place is almost assured barring any injury.

Another player who has consistently kept his slot in the first team and he is expected to be named ahead of Ahmed Zizo - who replaced him in the 80th minute against Morocco - for the Thursday duel.

Although he has struggled in front of the goal, Mohamed has been trusted by the coaching staff as he has started in all the Afcon games for the Pharaohs and the case should remain the same when the starting XI for the semi-final is named.