Host Egypt snatched a 4:1 win from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) here on Friday in a quarterfinal of the 25th African Nations Cup.
The Pharaohs were determined to win but failed to break the stalemate until the 33rd minute when Ahmed Hassan scored a penalty after Ndandu Kasongo brought down Amr Zaki in the penalty area.
A nearly fully-occupied Cairo International Stadium erupted into cheers in the 41st minute when Hossam Hassan sent the ball home after gathering a long pass from Mohamed Barakat.
Cyrille Mubiala scored for the DR Congo in the first half injury time.
The hosts, played to the cheers of home fans, managed to dominate during the second half.
Emad Moteab scored Egypt's third goal in the 57th minute.
A fourth goal from Ahmed Hassan shortly before the match ended secured Egypt's win.
Lineups:
Egypt: Essam Al Hadari, Ibrahim Said, Abdelzaher El Saqqa, Hossam Hassan (Hassan Mostafa, 66), Emad Moteab, Mohamed Shawki, Mohamed Barakat, Tarek El Sayed (Mohamed Abdelwahab, 78), Ahmed Hassan, Amr Zaki (Abdelhalim Ali, 73), Wael Gomaa.
Congo: Pascal Kalemba, Cyrille Mubiala (Nono Lubanzadio, 45), Dituabanza Nsumbu, Tshinyama Tshiolola, Biscotte Mbala, Christian Fuanda Kinkela, Lomana LuaLua, Zola Matumona, Marcel Mbayo, Herita Ilunga, Ndandu Kasongo (Kabamba Musasa, 52).
Referee: Modou Sowe (Gambia)