Despite being title holders, Egypt were not seriously counted as contenders in Ghana 2008 after a poor qualifying campaign.

But after reaching the last four with a four-game unbeaten run, which included an impressing 4-2 victory over Cameroon, things have changed, according to the veteran defender.

"People wrote us off before the tournament began," he told Egyptian TV.

"We proved the doubters that we can retain the title."

Saied, who played every minute in Egypt's campaign towards the 2006 title, rarely featured in Ghana.

But he has no hard feelings.

"It's not important who plays as long as we win games," the former Ahli and Zamalek star said.

Egypt play their third semi-finals tie in the last 20 years on Thursday, when they clash with Ivory Coast.

The Pharaohs won the title on home soil two years ago after edging past the Elephants 4-2 on penalties.