Eto'o shatters scoring record for tournament

Eto'o celebrates scoring a penalty against Sudan (AP)

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o became the highest scorer in African Nations Cup history when he converted a penalty in a 3-0 win over Sudan yesterday. The victory ensured Cameroon finished second in Group C behind Egypt with six points to go through to the last eight.

Eto'o's 27th-minute strike took his tally at African Nations Cup tournaments to 15, overtaking the 38-year-old record of Ivory Coast's Laurent Pokou.

A bizarre own goal by Mohamed Ali Khider effectively ended the contest six minutes later before Eto'o completed the scoring in injury time, his fifth goal at the 2008 finals.

"We've been very efficient and scored 10 goals in the group stage, I don't know many teams who've done that," said the Cameroon coach, Otto Pfister. "We totally dominated the first half and, although we did not put on a great show, I'm happy we've qualified."

Cameroon went ahead when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Achille Emana and Eto'o converted to break Pokou's record. Six minutes later, the Sudan midfielder Rtshard Justin Lado's attempted clearance hit Ali Khider and rebounded into the net.

Eto'o scored the third when he broke clear of the Sudan defence in injury time and placed his shot past El Moez.

The holders Egypt joined Cameroon in the quarter-finals as Group C winners despite conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Zambia.

Chris Katongo rescued a point for Zambia but they were eliminated after Cameroon's victory.

Amr Zaki scored Egypt's goal after 15 minutes. It came at the end of a swift move with Sayed Moawad providing him with an easy finish for his second goal of the tournament.

Egypt then missed a host of chances before Katongo's late equaliser. "Our performance was not as good as before but we made it through to the next round without any injuries," said the Egypt assistant Shawky Gharib. "That was our main aim."

Zambia's coach, Patrick Phiri, said: "At least we go home with some kind of satisfaction, displaying the talent and skill in our team. It is a pity we are going, as we could have brought more entertainment to this tournament."

Egypt will stay in Kumasi for Monday's quarter-final against the runner-up in Group D, which is to be settled today.