Soccer-Egypt hail greatest night after win over Italy

By Mark Gleeson

JOHANNESBURG, June 18 (Reuters) - Egypt's coach Hassan Shehata and his players hailed Thursday's win over Italy in the Confederations Cup as a proud achievement and have set their sights on the tournament's semi-finals.

"This is a great result," Shehata told Reuters after an emotional night for the Egyptians, whose 1-0 victory over the world champions is their best ever result.

"We had a good game against Brazil technically but the result did not go our way. But this gives us great hope for the semi-finals," he added.

"It was a great feeling, a fantastic victory and we are very proud," said striker Mohamed Zidan, who went off with a hamstring injury and said he was unsure of playing in the final Group B match against the United States on Sunday.

"We have realised that we have to stand up together to show some good performances," added Zidan, who scored twice against Brazil in the 4-3 loss in the opening group game on Monday.

Defender Wael Gomaa said it was a thrill to beat a team of Italy's quality after a first-half goal by Mohamed Hommos.

"They were very strong with top players from Serie A and we are really happy about the victory. We know we will need to work hard to beat the U.S. and qualify for the next phase."

Gomaa, a long-standing member of Egypt's African Nations Cup-winning teams, added it had been a memorable night for his country.