“Sometimes football can throw up the most appropriate of metaphors. A red rag to a bull almost couldn’t describe Egypt’s 4-0 thrashing of Algeria any better, from the suave matador-like performance of the holders to the mad angry rage of the Algerians. And, as if to hammer home the point, Egypt played in red. The bull ring parallels here are perfect.” (Just Football)

Algeria 0 – 4 Egypt“Defending champions Egypt strolled into the final of the African Nations Cup as eight-man Algeria bowed out in ignominious fashion. The game was evenly poised until Rafik Halliche felled Emad Moteab in the box eight minutes before the break, earning a red card for his troubles, and Hosni Abd Rabou converted the spot-kick. Mohamed Zidan added a classy second after 65 minutes before Nadir Belhadj saw red for a horror challenge on Ahmed El Mohamady five minutes later.” (ESPN)

Algeria 0-4 Egypt
“Egypt strolled through to their third successive Africa Cup of Nations final, overcoming Algeria 4-0, with their great rivals finishing with eight men. Hosni Abd Rabou put Egypt ahead from the spot, after Algeria’s Rafik Halliche was sent-off for the foul. Mohamed Zidan doubled the lead, before Mohamed Abdelshafi made it three and Mohamed Gedo completed the rout.” (BBC)