OWN CORRESPONDENT, Kano, Nigeria | Sunday 10.30pm.
ARCH predator Hossam Hassan struck as holders Egypt began their defence of the African Nations Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Zambia on Sunday in the opening Group C match.
Hassan, joint leading scorer in the previous finals with Benni McCarthy of South Africa, punished a moment of madness in the Zambian defence four minutes into the second half.
A cross into the penalty area appeared to pose no immediate threat, but giant central defender Elijah Litana failed to control the ball and captain Hassan dashed in to stab the ball past Davies Phiri.
The goal gave the Pharaohs a two-goal lead and they withstood continuous Zambian pressure for most of the second half before a large crowd at Sani Abacha Stadium in the northern city.
Yasser Radwan, a survivor from the 1998 cup-winning squad, put the North Africans ahead after 37 minutes by nudging in front of Moses Sichone to head a Tarek Said cross into the net.
Zambia came closest to reducing arrears midway through the second half when a spectacular bicycle kick from South Africa-based Dennis Lota was pushed out for a corner by goalkeeper Nader al-Sayed.
It was a match of few scoring chances with the Egyptian defence carrying on where it left off two years ago. The Pharaohs won the title after conceding only one goal in 570 minutes.
Success was timely boost for the North Africans, whose preparations were marred by coaching upheavals and several poor results, including a 1-0 loss against minnows Togo this week.
Veteran Zambian captain and former African Footballer of the Year Kalusha Bwalya, who came out of retirement for the tournament, was closely watched and made little impression.
Group C action resumes on Tuesday at the same venue when Burkina Faso, who upset the odds to finish fourth in the 1998 finals, tackle West African rivals Senegal. — AFP