Khartoum — The Egyptian national football team Sunday defeated its Sudanese counterpart 1-0 in the preliminaries of the African Cup of Nations finals scheduled for Mali in 2002.

The match was played at Merrikh Stadium in Omdurman, twin City of Khartoum on the Western bank of the White Nile.

Hossam Hassan scored for his side in the 22nd minute of match through a header that bounced on the ground and outmanoeuvred the Sudanese goalkeeper.

The experienced Egyptian side, though playing away from home, dominated the first half, thanks to their high physical fitness.