MOHAMED Salah starred as Egypt reached the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals on Sunday and were joined in the last four by Senegal, while the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde where eight people died in a crush a week ago was given the green light to host the final.

The Confederation of African Football gave the stadium the go-ahead to host the second semifinal on 3 February between the hosts and Egypt, and the final on 6 February after lifting the temporary suspension of the venue where eight died, including a child, on 24 January.

"Having noted the recommendations and undertakings from government in regard to additional security provisions...the Caf Organising Committee unanimously agreed to lift the suspension imposed on the Olembe Stadium," African football's governing body said in a statement.

"The Local Organising Committee and the government of Cameroon having significantly increased security and resources at the Olembe Stadium, (Caf) are confident that the safety and security of spectators and visitors will be assured."

The disaster happened prior to last Monday's last-16 tie between hosts Cameroon and the Comoros, when supporters were caught in a crush at the south entrance gate of the stadium.

Thirty-eight people were also injured in the disaster. Witnesses told AFP that a mass of people were crushed up against gates at the southern entrance before police eventually opened them.

Hundreds of supporters then broke through, causing a stampede.

Cameroon's sports minister on Friday blamed a "reckless decision" by security forces to open the closed gate for the tragedy and announced a raft of measures aimed at ensuring that the Olembe Stadium could be reopened.

Olembe, a 60 000-seat venue built for the tournament, was then stripped of the quarterfinal due to be played there, with the match instead moved to the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium also in Yaounde.

That meant a double-header at the stadium on Sunday, with Egypt coming from behind to defeat Morocco 2-1 in extra time before Senegal beat Equatorial Guinea 3-1.

GOAL AND ASSIST FOR SALAH

Morocco took the lead through an early Sofiane Boufal penalty only for Egypt captain Salah to equalise early in the second half, following up to score after a Mohamed Abdelmonem header was saved.

Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal then tipped a late Nayef Aguerd header onto the crossbar as the game went to extra time, and the record seven-time continental champions found the winner in the 100th minute.

Salah made it with some excellent play on the right before his low delivery to the back post was turned in by Mahmoud Trezeguet.

"Our goal is to make the people in Egypt happy," said Salah while his coach, Carlos Queiroz, dismissed suggestions the Pharaohs are a one-man team.