Egypt kept alive their hopes of winning a third straight African Nations Cup title with a 4-0 semi-final victory over eight-man Algeria.

Egypt set up an African Cup of Nations final against Ghana with a convincing 4-0 victory over Algeria, a satisfying act of vengeance after their World Cup qualifier.

The defending champions, beaten to a World Cup spot by Algeria, went ahead in the 39th minute after Rafik Halliche had been sent off for a foul on Emad Moteab in the box. Hosni Abd Rabou converted the spot-kick before Mohamed Zidan added a classy second on 65 minutes. Zidan was bearing down on goal and, with substitute Hossam Ghaly in support, he turned Belhadj inside out before dispatching the ball left-footed into the far corner.

Portsmouth's Nadir Belhadj saw red for a horror challenge on Ahmed El Mohamady five minutes later and things went from bad to worse for Algeria as goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi was also dismissed and Mohamed Abdelshafy and Mohamed Gedo struck further goals for Egypt. Abdelshafy came off the bench to add the third with a neat finish from an acute angle, before Chaouchi was belatedly dismissed two minutes from time as he swung his foot at Gedo, who moments later finished past substitute keeper Mohamed Zemmamouche for the fourth.

For 39 minutes this game had been an even contest, and Algeria did have their chances. Karim Matmour should have done better 10 minutes in when, unmarked at the back post, he missed his kick. A minute later Madjid Bougherra tried his luck from range, and although the shot skidded wide it was close enough to cause Essam El Hadari fleeting discomfort.

But Algeria plotted their own downfall, allowing the six-time African Cup of Nations champions the chance to defend their crown.