In a thrilling match, the Pharaohs continued their success in the friendly Nile Basin tournament by beating African minnows Burundi 3-0 to qualify for the semi-finals in the Canal city of Ismailia on Tuesday night. Early goals from Mohamed Naggui ‘Gedo' and Ahmed Ali paved way for an expected win, as el-Sayyed Hamdi came off the bench to add a third near the end. The hosts secured top spot in Group A with nine points, five ahead of Uganda who finished second after holding Tanzania to a 1-1 draw earlier. The result will see Egypt meet Group B runner-up Kenya, as leaders DR Congo face Uganda after edging Sudan 2-1. Egypt's coach Hassan Shehata fielded five Ismaili players in front of their own fans at Ismailia Stadium, including goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi, who replaced Abdel-Wahed el-Sayyed between the posts. Ahmed Samir Farag kept his place on the left flank, as Amr el-Sulaya, Abdullah Saeed and Ahmed Ali completed the Dervishes' quintet. Egypt needed no more than one minute to take the lead through Gedo, who scored what was probably the easiest goal of his career. The Ahly striker hit an empty net from point-blank range after Ali's effort came off the bar, following some shambolic goalkeeping from the Burundi number one. Ten minutes later, it was two, when Ali rose above the poor Burundi keeper to head home Hossam Ghali's precise cross for his second of the tournament. After that, the African champions were able to relax against their hapless opposition. Ali missed a sitter from six yards midway through the first half after yet another gaffe from the keeper, who was fortunate not to receive more shots on target until the end of the half. Shehata made several changes at half time, bringing in some high-profile names including Mohamed Abou Treika, Hosni Abd Rabou and Shikabala. But the dull affair went on as the Egypt tactician seemed to be more focused on helping his players gain international match-practice rather than going for a comprehensive rout. Substitute Hamdi sealed the victory with ten minutes to go, heading home Ahmed Fathi's pinpoint cross to become the competition's top scorer with three goals in as many games.
