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Vera Kwakofi
BBC Sport, Cairo
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Moteab was in fine form for Egypt
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Egypt topped Group A at the African Cup of Nations after beating Ivory Coast 3-1 at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.
Emad Moteab opened for Egypt in the ninth minute, connecting with a header back across the goal by Abdelzaher El Saqqa.
The Ivory Coast then seized the initiative, with Aruna Kone scoring a 43rd minute equaliser with a blistering strike from 25 metres.
But an early second half goal from Mohamed Aboutrika, followed by Moteab's
73rd minute strike, sealed the win for the Pharaohs.
Aboutrika's goal for Egypt did little for the morale of Ivorian goakeeper Boubacar Barry, who came on after an injury to first choice Jean-Jacques Tizie made it impossible for him to carry on.
Although the Ivorians tried to regain the attacking fervour they stoked up in the first half, by bringing in Bakary Kone for defender Guy Demel, they were unable to penetrate the tightly-knit Egyptian defence.
Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary also played a key role, making a string of saves that could ensure they avoid four-time champions Cameroon in the quarter-finals.
Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam, who limped off in the first-half with a groin injury and was replaced by veteran Hossam Hassan, said he hoped to be fit in time for Egypt's quarter-final game.
Despite the defeat, Ivory Coast had already qualified for the last eight, after winning their first two group matches against Libya and Morocco.
Both countries will know their opponents after Sunday's final matches in Group B - leaders Cameroon take on second-placed DR Congo, while Angola take on fellow World Cup debutants Togo.
Egyptian assistant coach Shawky Gharib:
"I take my hat off to them. They played superbly. This match was worthy of the final and not the first round."
Egypt striker Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam:
"I felt pain in my groin on Friday,it was alright today (Saturday) but I still felt it when I started playing. Hopefully it is not too serious."
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