Two goals from Stephane Mbia helped Cameroon to victory

The four-time champions were 3-2 winners over Tunisia in a thrilling contest that went to extra-time.

"It was a very tough game, but we are very strong mentally and we are a strong team with a big history," Epalle told BBC Sport after the match.

"We knew that we had more experience than Tunisia, and we showed it."

Cameroon have little time to recover from the gruelling 120-minute encounter, as they play in the first semi-final on Thursday.

"We have only two days to rest, but we will sleep well, we have medical staff and we will be ready," said Cameroon coach Otto Pfister.

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Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre felt that Cameroon's strength was decisive.

"It's not easy to play a team like Cameroon, they are physically very strong," he said.

"The good physical preparation of our opponents was the main reason for the Cameroon win."

Carthage Eagles captain Radhi Jaidi was philosophical after the defeat, and thinks that the 2004 champions have a bright future.

"I'm proud to be part of this young team which is full of quality and full of good football," said Jaidi.