Egypt books a place in tomorrow's Africa Cup of Nation's final following its 2-1 win over Senegal, writes Inas Mazhar The home team's victory last Tuesday led to all night celebrations as more than 80,000 spectators left the stadium to join the crowds that had already begun to throng the streets and squares of Cairo. It took hours for people to reach their destinations as fans blocked streets, tunnels and squares, parking their cars and dancing in the streets in impromptu celebrations. Egypt took a half time lead following a moment of madness from Senegalese defender Frederic Mendy, who slapped at the ball in his own penalty area. Egypt's Ahmed Hassan showed calmness in twice converting the resultant penalty, having to retake it after one of his teammates encroached into the penalty area. Senegal, who had come back from a goal down to win in the quarter-final against Guinea, did not take long to level the score as soon into the second half Mamadou Niang powered a close range header into the net for his second goal of the tournament, setting fragile Egyptian nerves on end. The defining moment came with the score tied 1-1, and only 10 minutes left. Egyptian coach Hassan Shehata decided to substitute Ahmed Hossam (Mido) with Amr Zaki, leading to an incredible exchange between the two. Hossam threw up his hands in frustration in full view of the 80,000-strong crowd. But Shehata's decision was vindicated moments later when Zaki headed home a perfect cross from Mohamed Abou Treika. Following the game the Egyptian Football Association held an urgent meeting at which it was decided to ban Hossam for six months. Egypt is one of only three countries to have won the ACN title four times. The Egyptians now have a chance of becoming the first country to make it five titles. Standing in their way will be Côte d'Ivoire, winners of the trophy in 1992, who edged out Nigeria with a 1-0 victory in the other semi-final. Tickets for the final went on sale yesterday morning, with long queues snaking around the Cairo Stadium box office. President Hosni Mubarak is expected to attend. (see pp.20-21)
