Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - Hosts Egypt beat underdogs Libya 3-0 in the opening match of the 25th African Cup of Nations (CAN) championship, in Cairo, Friday.
Egyptian international Ahmed "Mido" Hossam's header opened the scorebook for the Pharaohs in the 17th minute, with Mohamed Abo Treka's free kick in the 22nd minute sealing the first-half to the delight of the partisan crowd.
Hapless Libya got penalised after goalkeeper Ogastin was sent off for grabbing threatening Egyptian forward Amr Zaki in the penalty box.
Mido's penalty kick was saved by Libyan substitute goalie Muftah Ghazalla who, unfortunately, failed to hold on to the ball, with Ahmed Hassan tucking in a rebound for Egypt's third goal in the 77th minute.
Egypt, four-time winners of the continental trophy, are thus off to a flying start in their efforts to grab the honours last bestowed on them in Burkina Faso '98.
President Hosni Mubarak, was among the crowed that watched the match, which followed a colourful opening ceremony, including displays and the unveiling of the tournament's mascot - a crocodile in green colours.
Egypt and Libya are in Group A along with Cote d'Ivoire and Morocco, who play their opening game on Saturday.
Two other matches scheduled for Saturday will see four-time champions Cameroon facing 2006 World Cup debutant Angola, while another World Cup bound nation Togo will take on RD Congo in Group B.