Egypt kept home interest alive in the African Nations Cup in Cairo on Friday as they beat Democratic Republic of Congo 4-1 to ease into the semifinals and a step nearer a record fifth title.
To reach the final they will have to get past 2002 finalists Senegal, who edged previously unbeaten Guinea 3-2 to make it a dreadful night for French coaches, DRC’s Claude Le Roy and Guinea’s Patrice Neveu.
Le Roy all but confirmed that this was his last match in charge of the Simbas (Lions) which was no big surprise as he had already speculated at not staying on beyond the end of his contract in June.
It will be no surprise if this African football expert ends up coaching fallen giants South Africa, as has been hinted at.
The latter, though, alleged dark practices as he took to task the match referee Coffi Codjia of Benin, aiming one of the worst slights by a Frenchman by saying the official behaved like an ”English referee”.
The hosts saw off DRC with no such controversy as they took full advantage of a defence shorn of its two first choice central defenders, who were both suspended.
A double by Ahmed Hasan and one apiece from 39-year-old veteran Hossam Hassan — his 79th goal in 175 internationals — and Imad Motaeb, with his third in two matches wrapped up victory — even the DRC goal was Egyptian authored as Ahmed el-Saka put it into his own net at the end of the first-half.
While the Egyptian assistant coach Shawky Gharib mouthed off the usual dull pleasantries, such as it was the best the Egyptians had played so far — which admittedly raises questions over how much a role their so-called star striker Mido will play — Le Roy was much more expressive.
”I think the score was a little bit harsh,” said the 58-year-old Frenchman.
”With our suspensions we had to put together a new defence and they made several basic errors.
”However I believe that the team played a wonderful last 30 minutes.
”Hats off, however, to Egypt. Our adventure is over but theirs continues.”
The former Cameroon handler, who coached them to the 1988 African Nations Cup title, then addressed his own future.
”I think that this adventure for me will stop here.
”It has been a wonderful journey.”
Senegal had to come from 1-0 down to see off Guinea with Henri Camara rounding off the victory, though the losers’ outstanding playmaker Pascal Feindouno had the last blast as he scored with a brilliant freekick to take his total to four for the tournament.
Senegal coach Abadoulaye Sarr said his team had stood up to be counted unlike against Nigeria, who they had lost to 2-1 after conceding two goals in the last 10 minutes of their final group match.
”I told them to stay focused for the whole 90 minutes. They are experienced players and I never doubted them,” said Sarr, whose side struggled through to the last eight having lost two of their three group matches.
Neveu, though, was not only less than flattering about the referee but had scant respect for his adversaries.
”We paid dearly for our errors,” said the 51-year-old, who is in charge of his first national side.
”Now people say to me that ‘Senegal are getting better’.
”Well they lost two of their group matches and they won their Cup tie against us.
”Good for them, but everyone can draw their own conclusions.
”But for me they have not improved.”
Perhaps true but when Neveu wakes up in the morning it will be him and his squad flying home and not Senegal. – Sapa-AFP