Bougherra and Algeria dumped out

Published on Thursday 28 January 2010 22:09

DEFENDING champions Egypt strolled into the final of the African Nations Cup as eight-man Algeria bowed out in ignominious fashion.

The game was evenly poised until Rafik Halliche felled Emad Moteab in the box eight minutes before the break, earning a red card for his troubles, and Hosni Abd Rabou converted the spot-kick. Mohamed Zidan added a second after 65 minutes before Nadir Belhadj saw red for a horror challenge on Ahmed El Mohamady five minutes later.

Mohamed Abdelshafy grabbed his first goal for Egypt nine minutes from time, but there was still time for Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi to pick up a second yellow and for Mohamed Gedo to make it 4-0 in stoppage time.

Egypt now face a final against Ghana, 1-0 victors against Nigeria earlier in the day.

Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra tried his luck from range early on for Algeria but his shot was always skidding wide.

The key moment came after 37 minutes, when Moteab went down under a challenge from Halliche and referee Codja Koffi gave a penalty and the red card. Hosni converted with the help of a stuttering run-up which incensed Chaouchi.

Egypt got their second in the 65th minute. Zidan was bearing down on goal and he turned Belhadj inside out before dispatching the ball into the far corner. Belhadj's night got even worse as he lunged at El Mohamady and was given his marching orders. Abdelshafy came off the bench to add a third with a neat finish.

Chaouchi was dismissed two minutes from time as he swung his foot at Gedo, who moments later added the fourth.

&#149 Asamoah Gyan scored the only goal to help Ghana book their place in the with a battling victory over Nigeria. The only goal came midway through the first half when a Kwadwo Asamoah corner caught out the Super Eagles defence and the Rennes striker applied the finishing touches.