Ahead of today's first semi final clash against the Black Stars of Ghana, the captain of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Rigobert Song, is optimistic that his team will overwhelm the host and their battalion of supporters and maintain the record of wins over host nations at previous African Nations Cup tournaments.

Cameroon, four time winners, were rated among the dark horses before the tournament, but has risen to become a serious contender for the title after the last four games in Kumasi and Tamale but will face the resilience and determination of the host team, which has enjoyed tremendous support from the stands.

But according to Song: "There will be a great cry in Ghana today (Thursday) and the cry is reminisce to what happened in Egypt when God wanted to set his people free from bondage.

"We know the strength of the Ghanaians and with the quality of the players in their team they can turn a lot of things round even in a difficult situation (a clear reference to the Eagles match) but we want to maintain our tradition of humiliating the hosts as far as the Nations Cup is concern.

"We started badly but we have improved from game to game and the strength and mental ability of the players is at its peak now. We're ready play take on any opposition including Ghana," Song said after team's light training at the main bowl of the Ohen Djan Stadium yesterday.

Song, with the all-time record appearance in number of Nations Cup matches played, recalled that the Lions when he was the captain were held to a 1-1 draw by Ghana in the opening match of the 2000 Nations Cup finals while they edged out Super Eagles of Nigeria in the final match played at the National Stadium Lagos.