Egypt are all but eliminated from the Arab Cup of Nations after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Iraq on Wednesday. Egypt – featuring with the Olympic team – have once again given away a one-goal first-half lead to lose after the break. Hany Ramzy's men need a miracle to go through to the next round as Iraq have already booked their place in the semi-finals. Egypt meet Lebanon knowing that they must win comprehensively and hope for three other matches, including two from the other group, to go in their favor. Poor goalkeeping, poor defense Right on the stroke of half time, Ahmed Sherweda was brought down inside the area to allow Saleh Gomaa to convert from the spot even though he was forced to re-take the penalty. Iraq forward Mostafa Karim, who plays for Ittihad of Alexandria, pulled level after the break after pouncing on a horrendous kick by Egypt keeper Ali Lotfi to dribble past a defender and fire home with power. In the 75th minute, full-back Hussam Kadhim, who conceded the penalty in the first half, was allowed to make a superb run from the left and cross into the area, only for the Egypt defense to lay the ball off to Alaa Abdul-Zahra to dispatch home. Senior striker Amr Zaki was introduced in the second half but couldn't make much of an impact. The Arab Cup was described by Egypt coach Ramzy as a decisive phase in the team's preparation for next month's Olympic Games. Ramzy is expected to retrieve a number of key players ahead of the London finals, including influential trio Ahmed Al-Shennawi, Mohamed Salah and Ahmed Hegazi.
