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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
George Flood

Africa Cup of Nations results: Hosts Egypt and holders Cameroon both fall at last-16 stage

Hosts Egypt have been eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations after a shock last-16 defeat to South Africa.

A late winner from Orlando Pirates striker Thembinkosi Lorch condemned Mohamed Salah and co to a disappointing exit in Cairo.

South Africa, the 1996 winners, are through to just their second quarter-final since 2002 and will face Nigeria on Wednesday.

Egypt struggled to create chances, with their best two openings of the game both being squandered by Trezeguet, while Liverpool's Salah was largely kept quiet.

South Africa were the more dangerous team in the first half and Percy Tau was denied a 22nd-minute opener when his free-kick was tipped over the crossbar by Mohamed El-Shenawy.

The Bafana Bafana also went close with 20 minutes to go when centre-back Thulani Hlatshwayo headed wide but they were not to be denied.

South Africa broke quickly and Lebo Mothiba drew the last defender before squaring for Lorch to confidently sweep beyond El-Shenawy.

Egypt could not muster a response as they failed to reach at least the semi-finals at a home tournament for the first time.

Arsenal's Alex Iwobi netted what proved to be the vital goal for Nigeria against holders Cameroon (AFP/Getty Images)

Earlier on Saturday, holders Cameroon blew a 2-1 half-time lead in their defeat to Nigeria.

Stephane Bahoken and Clinton Njie struck for Clarence Seedorf's Indomitable Lions in Alexandria after Odion Ighalo had given the Super Eagles an early advantage.

However, a second effort from Ighalo and Alex Iwobi's strike sealed victory for Nigeria in a five-goal thriller.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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