Egypt booked a place in the 2012 Olympic Games qualifying group stage with a 2-0 victory over Sudan on Saturday. The victory at Max Stadium meant that the Pharaohs are through with the same aggregate scoreline, following a goalless draw in Khartoum two weeks ago. Two second-half from Ahmed Sherweda and Shehab Ahmed made the difference for Egypt, who join North African neighbors Algeria and Morocco into the last eight. Algeria lost 2-0 in Zambia to go through 3-2 on aggregate, whereas Morocco held DR Congo to a 1-1 draw to claim a 3-1 aggregate win. Balanced The first half was evenly balanced, with Egypt dictating play but struggling to work the ball into their opposition's box, while both teams had equal chances to break the deadlock. Hesham Mohamed should have given Egypt a 10th minute lead, but astonishingly missed the target from six yards following a defensive error by the Sudanese. Egypt's first shot on goal came in the 33rd minute when Masri striker Sherweda's header forced a full-stretch save from Mounir Al-Khair.
Sudan replied instantly through a well-placed freekick by Raji Abdul-Aati, but Egypt guardian Mohamed Abou-Gabal made a wonder save to parry away. The visitors threatened again from the ensuing corner, but Islam Ramadan cleared off the line following a header by Amir Kamal. Two goals…game over Egypt coach Hany Ramzy introduced Ahli's Shehab at half time in place of Hesham in a successful attempt to refresh the midfield. In the 58th minute, Saleh Gomaa tested Al-Khair from distance and the goalkeeper was equal to the shot, only for Sherweda to pounce straight into the off-balance keeper's hands, but the latter was too generous to let the ball in through his grasp. Ten minutes later, substitutes Ahmed Hamoudi and Shehab combined well to ensure the victory with the second goal. Hamoudi's prescie cross found the unmarked Shehab inside the area as the Ahli man notched home with the easiest of headers from close range. Sherweda was unlucky not to grab his personal second when his diving header hit the post after some good work from Hossam Arafat. Egypt could have easily scored more as the Sudanese ventured forward to no avail, but the two goals were enough for Ramzy's men to go through.
