Mozambique's own goal seals Egypt's progress into quarter-finals

Posted Sunday, January 17, 2010 by theguardian.com

Mozambique's own goal seals Egypt's progress into quarter-finals
Mozambique's Martinho Mucuana is tackled by Egypt's Mohamed Zidan during their Africa Cup of Nations tie

The defending champions Egypt sealed a place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals by beating Mozambique at the Estadio do Benguela in Group C.

It was an uninspiring encounter and it was, perhaps fittingly, an own goal – from Mozambique's Dario Khan – which broke the deadlock after 47 minutes. The substitute Mohamed Gedo added a second nine minutes from time.

Chances were few and far between in the first half, but the best of them went to Egypt. After 25 minutes Hosni Abd Rabo crossed for Shikabala, who controlled well as he cut inside but scuffed his shot, allowing Mozambique's goalkeeper Joao Rafael Kapango to scramble the ball behind. Ahmed Fathi then went for goal when Emad Moteab was clear and saw his effort headed behind, much to the annoyance of the striker.

Egypt came close in stoppage time as the ball broke to Mohamed Zidan. Paito slid in with an excellent challenge, but the ball broke to Moteab, whose angled strike was well saved by Kapango.

Egypt did, finally, go ahead two minutes after the break in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. Hosni sent in a low cross from the right and Khan got to the ball first, but could only send it into his own net.

After 53 minutes, Mozambique – who, as fellow Portuguese speakers, had the backing of the Angolan fans – spurned a glorious chance to pull level. Tico-Tico found himself alone in the box when the ball spooned up in the air off Mahmoud Fathallah, but he could not control the dipping ball and sent his shot straight at Essam El Hadari. They did get the ball in the net after 58 minutes through Almiro Lobo, but the flag was up for offside.

Egypt sealed the win in some style, as some nice build-up play between Ahmed Hassan and Moteab saw the former play in Gedo. The substitute flicked the ball up, turned and smashed a volley home.

Mozambique could still qualify if they beat Nigeria in their final group game and Egypt do not lose to Benin.