Egypt beat neighbours Sudan 1-0 in Yaounde on Wednesday to ensure their progress to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.
They finished second behind Nigeria in Group D after another laboured performance.
Centre back Mohamed Abdelmoneim, drafted in because of injury, headed home after 38 minutes from a corner to make the breakthrough as Egypt dominated the derby but created few chances.
The display will not do much to temper the criticism that followed the Egyptians' first two games at the tournament.
The first was a 1-0 loss to Nigeria followed by a narrow win over tiny Guinea Bissau.
Egypt ended with six points, three behind Nigeria, and will meet the winners of Group E.
That will be settled on Thursday. Sudan finished bottom of the group with one point.
