Accra — Sudan lost 0-3 against Egypt on Saturday, despite tactical changes that sought to boost their defense with five players.

A day after tension erupted between the Sudanese team and Egyptian reporters, physical duels were frequent during Saturday's game. One fight led to a penalty when Rabed Hosni was brought down by Sudan's goalie, Mahjoub.

Taking the penalty, Hosni managed to send Mahjoub reaching the wrong way, notching up the first goal of the match for Egypt and bringing his total number of goals in the tournament to three (in the 29th minute). Mohamed Aboutraika scored twice, in the 77th and 82nd minutes.

Sudan's biggest weakness is their players' inability to carry an offensive through to completion. They stand at the bottom of Group C, with two losses and no goals. They become the second team to be eliminated from the tournament, after Benin.

Aboutreika is Back

Egypt's Pharaohs are now assured of a quarterfinal match.

Their pragmatism and mastery of each game so far has enabled them to keep intact the hopes of holding on to the crown they won two years ago at home.

Aboutreika played a big part in Saturday's win – a nice way to mark his return after flu prevented him from taking part in the team's first game against Cameroon.

With him on board, the Pharaohs could hold on to their title. So far they have remained disciplined, with admirable group cohesion, and it will take a really strong team to defeat them.