Egypt's hopes revived

A solid win for Egypt - but they now face Cameroon

By BBC Sport Online's Mohammed Allie in Bamako

Group D: Egypt 0-0 Zambia

Egypt have advanced to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup with a comfortable 2-1 win over a gallant Zambian side at the Modibo Keita Stadium in Bamako.

Both sides should have scored more goals but poor finishing, especially by the Zambians, kept the scoreline down.

But the North Africans will be perfectly happy with their performance and the result.

The return of Hossam Hassan, who has been absent from Egypt's squad as he sought treatment for an injury, has given the Pharaohs a new sense of purpose.

We have a problem with scoring - and in a tournament like this when you get that many chances you have to score

Zambia's coach Roald Poulsen

Zambia were too elaborate in front of goal, opting to play one pass too many instead of shooting.

It was frustrating to watch for Zambia's coach Roald Poulsen.

"It was the same story as we've had throughout the tournament - we were creating opportunities but we were not executing, failing to score the goal," the experienced Dane said.

"We had to score the goal in the first half, but we didn't get the luck and maybe we have to blame ourselves. We have a problem with scoring - and in a tournament like this when you get that many chances you have to score."

Late chance

It was Egypt's Ajax Amsterdam striker Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam who got the first goal in the 35th minute when he beat the offside trap after a good through ball by Hazem Emam.

Mido managed to regain his footing after being impeded by Zambian goalkeeper Davies Phiri to tap the ball into an empty net.

Emam himself gave Egypt a cushion with a second goal in the 57th minute when he was played through by Mido.

Poulsen needs a striker

The slightly built midfielder's shot was helped over the line by Zambian defender Moses Sichone but Emam claimed the goal.

Substitute Gift Kampamba gave the Zambians a glimmer of hope when he squeezed in Hilary Milanzi's low free kick in the 75th minute.

Hossam Hassan had a great chance to increase Egypt's lead when he received a square ball from Emam.

However, Phiri did well to dive to his left and turn the bull behind for a corner.

Egypt may well feeling confident after the ease of their win.

But they face Cameroon in the quarter-finals and they will have to find far more skill, guile and power to beat the Indomitable Lions.