It's difficult, but posible is the word on the streets of Bamako as Mali go head to head with Cameroon at the 26 March stadium in Bamako. The fans believe that it is not an impossible task ahead of them even though they face the current champions.

Already the fans are streaming in from all over the country for the biggest game ever in Mali.

The sense of excitement in Bamako is everywhere

Mali and Cameroon have only ever met once in the finals of the Nations Cup and that was way back in 1972 when Mali reached the final. Cameroon were hosts of the 1972 tournament, but home advantage counted for nothing in this Group 1 encounter. Mali took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Fantamady Keita before Cameroon equalised through Nicodemus.

Nigeria and Senegal have a little more history between them.

They have met twice in the Finals with Nigeria shading both metings in
dramatic fashion. Finidi George is the only player to play in both games. There is a little more history on the bench as both respective assistant coaches from Senegal and Nigeria played and scored. Jules Bocande had equalised Samson Siasia's opener before Stephen Keshi poped up with the Nigerian winner in the 89th minute.

The Big Boss told African Sport that he remembers that it was a great
feeling not just because it was the winner, but also because it came against the hosts.

Julius Agahowa caused Senegal's downfall in 2000

Two years ago the dramatics came from Julius Aghahowa in Lagos as the Super Eagles squeezed by in injury time against the Senegalese.

Nigeria have been to nine semi-finals and have a healthy win ratio as they have converted two thirds of these to final appearances. Senegal have lost both of theirs and history tends to favour Nigeria.

History is also on the side of Cazmeroon who have won four from six
semi-final appearances. Mali have come this far twice before and managed to go a step further in 1972.

This time it will be difficult, but possible.