Eto'o sets record as Cameroon stroll

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o (picture) became the highest scorer in African Nations Cup history when he converted a penalty in a 3-0 win over Sudan yesterday.

Egypt topped Group C with seven points after a surprising 1-1 draw with Zambia. The Indomitable Lions finished second, just one point behind 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 Cameroon coach Otto Pfister.

"We totally dominated the first half and, although we did not put on a great show, I'm happy that we've qualified."

In Kumasi, a last-gasp equaliser from Chris Katongo rescued Zambia but they still bowed out of the competition.

Amr Zaki scored after 15 minutes in another solid display by the defending champions.

But Egypt were left to rue a string of missed chances and were caught out after a sustained period of pressure when Katongo blasted home from close range in the 89th minute.

Zaki's goal came at the end of a swift move with Sayed Moawad providing him with an easy finish for his second goal of the tournament.

"Our performance was not as good as before but we made it through to the next round without any injuries," said Egypt assistant Shawky Gharib. "That was our main aim."

On his part Zambia 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 ended more entertainment to this tournament."

Standings: Egypt 7; Cameroon 6; Zambia 4; Sudan 0.