Egypt 0 - 0 Morocco

Egypt 0-0 Morocco

Updated: January 24, 2006, 8:07 PM UK

Egypt failed to clinch the win that would have guaranteed qualification for the African Nations Cup quarter-finals after being held to a woeful goalless draw by Morocco.

The tournament hosts were roared on by an enthusiastic crowd at the International Stadium in Cairo but Hassan Shehata's men failed to sparkle in a game of few clear-cut chances.

The draw means Egypt, who now have four points from their two games, are still favourites to follow Ivory Coast in advancing from Group A.

Morocco have to beat Libya in their final fixture and hope Ivory Coast can maintain their 100% record against Egypt if they are to stand any chance of going through.

The game could have been so different had Egypt's lightning start been rewarded with a goal.

Just 12 seconds had elapsed when Mido's volleyed cross from the left caused confusion inside the Morocco area and goalkeeper Tarik El Jarmouni was forced to punch clear.

The hosts were undoubtedly the more creative side in the early stages but their neat approach play continually floundered on some dreadful finishing.

The first culprit was Amr Zaki, who headed Mohamed Barakat's free-kick wide when well placed.

Next it was the turn of Ahmed Fathi, the wing-back firing a low shot past the post from only 10 yards after he had been picked out by a wonderful ball by Ahmed Hassan.

Morocco were playing primarily on the break but it was a policy which almost reaped rewards after 36 minutes, Youssef Hadji turning sharply on the edge of the box and firing in a snap-shot which required a smart save from Essam Al Hadari.

Morocco defender Talal El Karkouri tried his luck from long-range on two occasions at the start of the second half but failed to seriously trouble Al Hadari.

The keeper distinguished himself after 66 minutes, however, with a flying save to keep out Hadji's header.

The game briefly came to life and Jarmouni twice had to punch over efforts from Abdel Zaher El Saka and Zaki.

Morocco had a late claim for a penalty turned down when Ibrahim Said appeared to bring down substitute Ali Boussaboun inside the area while Egypt's Emad Moteab missed the best chance of the game in the closing seconds when he mis-kicked horribly from in front of goal.