KUMASI - Defending champions Egypt used all their African Nations Cup experience to seal their place in the semi-finals with a hard-fought victory over Angola.
Hosni Abd-Rabou opened the scoring for the Pharaohs midway through the first half only for Manucho Goncalves to equalise with a spectacular effort.
But Amr Zaki had the final say, making the most of sloppy defending from the Palancas Negras to book a last-four meeting with Ivory Coast on Thursday.
Hassan Shehata's Egypt made a strong start, with Mohamed Shawky having his early shot from the edge of the penalty area kept out by Joao Lama.
Emad Moteab was next to have a go, collecting a neat flick-on from Zaki in the on the left-hand side of the six-yard box but poking his shot wide as Egypt came out of the blocks quickly.
Motaeb again missed in the 18th minute when Rui Marques completely mistimed his attempted clearance, but the ball came too quickly for the striker and the ball flew past him.
The Egyptians went ahead in the 22nd minute. Mohamed Aboutreika's free-kick from the edge of the penalty area was handled by Andre Macanga as he attempted to charge down the ball, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Hosni made no mistake, sending Joao Lama the wrong way with his third penalty of the competition to hand his side a deserved lead.
But Angola hit back emphatically within five minutes, with Manucho scoring his fourth of the tournament.
The powerful forward forced his way past one Egyptian player and hit a cracking 30-yard shot that flew into the top-left corner with Essam Al Hadari well beaten.
The goal lifted the Angolans as the pace picked up. Manucho showed more skill when he raced down the right before cutting the ball back to Flavio, who was foiled by Egypt's defence on the edge of the area.
The ensuing free-kick drew a sprawling save from El Hadari after the ball flashed off one of several Angolan heads.
The Pharaohs regrouped and were back ahead in the 38th minute, with Zaki taking full advantage after goalkeeper Carlos Kali completely missed Ahmed Fathi's cross.
The Zamalek forward managed to bundle the ball home with his shoulder to hand his side a slender advantage at the break.
Immediately after the restart, Manucho linked up well with Flavio Amado, but could only slip his shot inches past the upright as Angola looked to draw level.
The pair again linked up on the hour mark, this time with roles reversed as Flavio's shot from inside the penalty area forced El Hadari to save low to his right.
At the other end, Lama was forced to make two good saves. First he rushed out to save with his feet to deny Moteab, before the same player had his 12-yard shot excellently kept out by the Angola custodian after a slick passing move with Aboutreika.
With the clock running down, frustration began to grow among the Angolans as Egypt used their experience to slow down the pace.
Angola's goalkeeper was again called into action seven minutes from time. Defender Wael Gomaa ended a flowing move with a powerful low shot from inside the penalty area, which drew another fine save from Lama.
But Luis Oliveira Goncalves' team failed to carve out any clear-cut chances at the death and bow out, having made the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
