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| June 22, 2003 | Sunday | Rabi-us-Sani 21,1424 |
Algeria in Nations Cup finals
JOHANNESBURG, June 21: Algeria qualified for the African Nations Cup finals with a 1-0 win over Namibia in Blida on Friday thanks to a goal from Nasreddine Kraouche.
The Belgian-based midfielder scored after just five minutes to maintain Algeria’s unbeaten record in group 12 and put them on points, out of reach of Namibia and Chad who both have three points.
Algeria join Senegal, who qualified last week, as well as hosts Tunisia and holders Cameroon in the 16-team tournament, which starts on January 24.
Four goals from Ahmed Bilal virtually assured Egypt, the most successful country in Nations Cup history, of their place in the finals.
They beat Madagascar 6-0 to go three points clear of the Indian Ocean islanders at the top of Group 10 on nine points.
Madagascar had high hopes of pulling off a draw in Port Said but they now have to beat Mauritius by 17 goals in their last match next month if they are to edge Egypt on goal difference.
Defender Bechir Al Tabei hammered home a long-range free kick in the first minute of the match. Bilal scored two goals and Celta Vigo striker Ahmed Hossam got another, ensuring a 4-0 half-time lead.
Bilal completed his hat-trick 11 minutes into the second half and added a fourth goal near the end of a comparatively easy outing for Egypt.
Osasuna midfielder Mohamed El Yaacoubi scored his first international goal to set Morocco on their way to a 2-0- win over Gabon in Rabat.
French-based striker Zaid Jaziri got the second goal in a match which leaves Morocco one point away from qualifying.
But if Sierra Leone fail to beat Equatorial Guinea on Saturday, then Morocco will qualify ahead of their last group match on July 4.
Morocco top Group Seven with 13 points from five games and have not conceded a goal.—Reuters
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