Egypt will meet Algeria in a potentially explosive African Cup of Nations semi-final match on Thursday after their controversial extra-time victory over Cameroon last night. Violent scenes erupted in the streets of Cairo following the World Cup qualifying play-off match between the two sides in November - which Algeria won 1-0 in Sudan - and any repeat of the refereeing error which sealed Egypt's place in the last four last night could prompt further unrest.
Chasing a hat-trick of titles and their seventh overall, Egypt already had one foot in the semi-final after goals from Ahmed Hassan - celebrating an African record 170th international appearance - and Mohamed Nagi wiped out Achille Emana's opener. But their passage was confirmed when the referee, Jerome Damon, on the advice of his assistant, deemed a shot from Hassan, the Egypt captain, had bounced off the crossbar and over the line in the 95th-minute.
TV replays showed the ball had clearly not crossed the line of Carlos Kamnei, the Cameroon goalkeeper. Cameroon's misery was compounded when Aurelien Chedjou was sent off on 112 minutes for a professional foul. The Indomitable Lions did, however, contribute to their own downfall, with Geremi's appalling back pass gift-wrapping Egypt their second goal just two minutes into extra-time. "This is most important win for the Egyptian team and for all the Egyptians," said Hassan.
"We are very happy now but we must now prepare ourselves well for Algeria. I hope for a good match with Algeria." Nagi's goal took his tally to three in four matches and said: "It was a great effort to reach the semi-final. This is the third straight time we have beaten Cameroon and we are all very happy." @Email:kaffleck@thenational.ae
