African Nations Cup: Diatta goal enough to give Senegal win

Senegal beat Egypt 1-0 in the first round of the African Nations Cup.

Rennes defender Lamine Diatta netted the winner late in the second half.

Egyptian goalkeeper Essam el-Hadary punched out a Senegalese attempt and Diatta headed the ball straight back into the net.

The game was played at a frantic pace although few scoring chances were created.

Senegal's Pape Sarr sent a free kick wide and Khalilou Fadiga shot another into a defender.

Egypt captain Hany Ramzy rifled a free kick over the crossbar and Ahmed Hossam caught the Senegalese defence napping only to shoot wide.

Goalkeeper El-Hadary denied Diouf a 51st minute goal with a superb save, stretching out along the goal line to block his close-range shot.

After Diatta's goal in the 82nd minute, Diouf blew a chance to make it 2-0 when he broke through the Egyptian defence.

With only el-Hadary to beat, he dithered and the goalkeeper closed the striker's angle before blocking his attempt.