The Egyptians have gone through as the winners of the three-team Pool A after recording a second win in as many matches today, but they needed five sets to see off Morocco at 6 October Hall.

In a thrilling encounter the home side eventually had enough as they won 25-16, 21-25, 25-13, 19-25, 15-9.

It means Egypt are on course for a fourth continental title and a first since 2003.

Cameroon and Kenya both recorded their second wins in Group B, taking them through as both opponents suffered their second defeats.

Reigning champions Cameroon won their maiden title on home soil in Yaounde last time out in 2017 and saw off Algeria in straight sets, 25-21, 25-5, 26-24.

Kenya, who won five out of the six tournaments held since 2005 and are hopeful of a 10th continental success in all, defeated Botswana 25-16, 25-18, 25-11.

Neither Cameroon or Kenya have dropped a set so far with the two meeting in the final round of group matches tomorrow to determine who tops the pile and avoids Egypt in the semi-finals.

Algeria, the 1999 winners, will meet Botswana in a dead-rubber.

In Group A, Morocco will play Senegal tomorrow in a straight shoot-out to decide who goes through with Egypt.

Only seven teams are contesting the event after Tunisia, Ghana, Libya, Rwanda, Chad, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and Lesotho all withdrew.

The final is scheduled for Sunday (July 14).