Holders through to last four

Egypt advanced to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after a battling 2-1 win over Angola.

United striker on target, but Angola bow out

Egypt advanced to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after a battling 2-1 win over Angola. Amr Zaki's fortunate goal before half-time proved the difference after Hosni Abd Rabou's penalty had been cancelled out by a Manucho thunderbolt. Egypt had the first real chance when Emad Moteab latched on to a deflected pass only to flick his shot beyond the far post. Midway through the first half, the holders took the lead when Hosni steered home a penalty after Andre Macanga had blocked Mohamed Aboutrika's free-kick with his arm. But just three minutes later Angola were level when Manucho showed good control 30 yards from goal and lashed an unstoppable shot beyond Essam El Hadari. Yet Egypt were back in front before half-time when Ahmed Fathi's low cross was not cleared and bounced up into the net off Zaki's midriff. Angola could have been level just seconds after the interval when Flavio played Manucho through, but the Manchester United striker's dink over the keeper drifted just wide. Flavio and Manucho combined again just past the hour mark, but the latter, who will spend the rest of the season at Panathinaikos, was denied by El Hadari. The threat slowly evaporated from Angola and Egypt had chances to score a third, with Luis Lama out smartly to deny Moteab. Lama produced another strong save to thwart Moteab again before thrusting out a hand to keep out substitute Ahmed Hassan's shot five minutes from time.