Egypt looks on course to win their record seventh title as they crushed Algeria in the semi-final of the African Cup of Nations.

Egypt assistant coach Chaouki Gharib said: “We’ve played against three World Cup qualifiers in our five matches here, we’ve beaten them all and scored ten goals against all of them.

“It’s thanks to our strategy, we know how to win games and how to deal with our rivals. We wish Algeria well at the World Cup because they are representing the Arab world.”

Egypt’s goals against their bitter rivals came from Hosni Abdrabou, who converted a penalty, Mohamed Zidan, substitutes Mohamed Abdelshafy and Mohamed ‘Gedo’ Nagy.

Indisciplined Algeria saw red three times.

First defender Rafik Halliche was sent packing for bringing down a goal-bound Emad Motaeb whch led to the spot-kick in the 39th minute.

(more…)

Day two of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations delivered more shocks as Algeria crashed to minnows Malawi and favourites Ivory Coast stuttered against Burkina Faso.

Away from the pitch Angolan security forces, who arrested two suspects in connection with Friday’s deadly attack on Togo, sealed off the footballers’ village in Cabinda in a bid to ward off any further attacks.

It was going to be a tall order to follow up Sunday’s sensational curtain raiser when Mali fought back from four goals down to snatch a point against hosts Angola, but little Malawi managed it.

In only their second ever appearance in the competition they inflicted a remarkable 3-0 thrashing of Algeria, who arrived in Angola proudly carrying their ticket to the World Cup.

But the Carthage Eagles looked anything but world class as they were torn apart in the searing heat.

(more…)