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It was a strange match for the Simbas. They lost decisively 2-0 to Cameroon, but they advanced to the quarterfinals because even though Angola beat Togo 3-2, the DRC was still up by one point in cumulative goal differential. It is a complicated formula, but if Cameroon scored one more goal against DRC or Angola scored another goal against Togo, Angola would have advanced. The games were at the same time, so the announcers were updating the score and when Angola scored its third goal, things got a bit nervous here. After the coaches got word of the Angola-Togo final, with about ten minutes remaining, both teams stopped trying and neither made any effort to score. And at the end of the match, both the winner and losers were able to celebrate.

The Simbas reward is a match against Egypt on Friday evening. Egypt is a very strong team; I saw them beat Côte d’Ivoire, a World Cup qualifier, 3-1 (although the second and third goals were against the back-up goalie). Plus they are the home team for the tournament. I give Cameroon and Tunisia the best shot at eliminating Egypt. Cameroon has a very impressive team, and really embarrassed the DRC defense a few times. Their goals were a couple of minutes apart at 31 (Geremi on a free kick) and 33 minutes (Eto’o, who plays for Barcelona, scored his 5th goal of the tournament).

Under normal circumstances, the Simbas might have a chance to upset Egypt. But they got another red card today. Bokese kicked a guy in the chest when they were on the ground after getting tangled up, so they played the final 20 minutes with 10 players. And Kabundi got his 2nd yellow card of the tournament so he has to serve a one-game suspension. The Simbas are down three starters to play a game against Egypt in Cairo.