Wael Gomaa (L) of Egypt challenges Mohamed Yaacoubi of Morocco during the Group A first round match for the 25th African Nations Cup held in Cairo, capital of Egypt, Jan. 24, 2006. (Xinhua photo)

CAIRO, Jan. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Egypt, hosts of the 25th African Nations Cup, was held to a goaless draw by Morocco here on Tuesdayin a Group A match.

    Egypt had gone into the match determined to win in front of home fans, but the draw means that it is Cote d'Ivoire, instead ofthe Pharaohs, became the first team to qualify for the next round of competition.

    Playing to the cheers of home fans, the Pharaohs pushed forward with great reserve. Just two minutes after the match began, the Pharaohs surged forward for a quick opening goal, causing some panic for Morocco's defense.

    Minutes later, Egypt's midfielder Mohammed Barakat fell in Morocco's penalty area, but the referee ignored his appeals for a penalty kick.

    Egypt squandered several chances in the first 30 minutes, leaving their coach Hassan Shehata apparently worried.

    With the match going on, Morocco's players proceeded with growing confidence.

    In the second half, the Pharaohs still could find the way to score as fans became disappointed at the performance of their national side.

    In the 66th minute, Morocco got their best chance in the match but Youssef Safri's close range header was foiled by a wonderful save from Egypt's goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.

    Both teams were eager to win but neither of them was able to convert shots into real goals, leading to the first draw in the tournament.

    Lineup

    Egypt: Essam El Hadry, Mohamed Abdelwahab, Ibrahim Said, Abdel El Saqqa, Ahmed Fathi (Hassan Mostafa, 50), Mohamed Shawky, Mohamed Barakat, Mido (Emad Abdelnabi, 79), Ahmed Kamel (Mohamed Aboutrika,65), Amr Zaki, Wael Gomaa.

    Morocco: Tarek Jarmouni, Hoalid Regragui (Youssef Chippo, 75),Talal El Karkouri, Noureddine Naybet, Mohammed El Yaagoubi, Houssine Kharja, Youssef Safri, El Armin Erbate, Marouane Chamakh (Hicham Aboucherouane, 83), Youssouf Hadji (Abdelali Bou Saboun, 70), Badr El Kaddouri.

    Referee: Bonaventure Codjia (Benin) Enditem