Sporting briefs

Africa Cup: Two goals from striker Emad Moteab gave hosts Egypt top place in Group A at the African Nations Cup after beating the Ivory Coast 3-1 yesterday. Two goals in a furious eight-minute spell midway through the second half turned the balance of the game in the home team's favour and meant Egypt edged the Ivorians, who had qualified for the last eight, from top place in the group. Other Group A result: Morocco vs Libya 0-0.

Woodgate: Centre back Jonathan Woodgate was named in the Real Madrid squad for their league game at Celta Vigo today after a three-week lay off with a calf problem. The 26-year-old England international returns to the fold but Real are still without strikers Ronaldo and Raul, right back Michel Salgado and midfielder Pablo Garcia who remain injured. Woodgate sustained his injury on January 8, just a week after returning from a two-month lay-off because of a torn hamstring.

Samaras: Manchester City have agreed a £6 million fee with Dutch club Heerenveen for Greek striker Georgios Samaras. The English Premier League club's website said yesterday that the 20-year-old would now discuss personal terms before undergoing a medical at their Carrington training complex this week.

Eremenko: Finland midfielder Alexei Eremenko has signed a four-year contract with Saturn Ramenskoye. Eremenko spent the last two seasons with Serie A side Lecce. The 22-year-old playmaker, who is the son of former Spartak Moscow striker Alexei Eremenko Sr, has dual Finnish and Russian citizenship and would not be considered a foreigner.

Ligue 1: Bordeaux vs Lens 1-0; Auxerre vs S. Rennes 2-0; Nancy vs Ajaccio 0-0; Nantes vs Troyes pp; Le Mans vs Toulouse 1-1; Marseille vs Sochaux 0-0; Strasbourg vs PSG pp; St Etienne vs Nice pp.

Primera Liga: Cadiz vs Racing Santander 1-1; Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe 1-0.