Egypt beats Ivory Coast to advance
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-29 11:21

Egypt overcame Mido's early injury and sent 74,000 fans into a frenzy Saturday when it advanced to the quarterfinals of the African Cup of Nations by beating already qualified Ivory Coast 3-1.

Morocco, the runner-up two years ago, played to a 0-0 tie against Libya and dropped out of the tournament after failing to score in three games.

Mido, who plays for England's Tottenham, limped off the field after 23 minutes with what appeared to be a groin injury, but the Pharaohs still had enough to overcome an Ivory Coast team that left Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and several other starters on the bench.

Emad Moteab scored two goals for Egypt and Mohamed Aboutrika added another to give Egypt first place in Group A with seven points and keep alive its bid for a record fifth African title.

Ivory Coast, one of the five African teams that will play at this year's World Cup in Germany, finished group play in second place with six points. Morocco was third with two and Libya last with one.

Defending champion Tunisia, Guinea and Cameroon also have advanced to the last eight from other groups, in which play has not been completed.