Salah scores as Egypt reach Cup of Nations quarters

MOHAMED SALAH’S thumping early freekick gave Egypt a 1-0 win against Ghana yesterday as they sealed their place in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The record seven-time winners of the competition came into the game in Port-Gentil only needing a draw to be certain of going through but the victory at a barely half-full stadium allowed them to leapfrog already-qualified Ghana and finish on top of Group D.

Hector Cuper’s solid side, who have not conceded a goal yet in Gabon, will now stay in the port city of Port-Gentil for a last-eight tie against Herve Renard’s Morocco on Sunday.

“It’s difficult to come out and play for a draw. We came out to win from the off. I am not as happy with the performance as I would like but I think given who we were up against I have to be satisfied,” said Cuper.

“We will have a bit of a breather now, rest a bit, and then start thinking about Morocco.

“Our ambition is very high and we are going to fight to keep progressing and reach the final stages.”

Ghana, meanwhile, must now up sticks to Oyem in the north of the country for a quarterfinal against an impressive DR Congo side, also on Sunday.

“I don’t think it matters,” said Ghana coach Avram Grant. “I said before the two teams we could have played were good and it would be a tough game.

“I hope the pitch there will be better, but I’m not sure about this.”

In yesterday’s other game, Mali, needing to win to maintain hope of staying alive, were held to a 1-1 draw by already-eliminated Uganda in tricky conditions in Oyem. – AFP