Seven-time African champions Egypt are edging closer to elimination from the ongoing Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup after they recorded a second successive defeat in as many games with a 3-1 loss to hosts Russia.

The Egyptians welcomed back star forward Mohamed Salah into the starting XI having missed the 1-0 loss to Uruguay in their first game but he was powerless to stop his side from defeat despite getting on the scoresheet.

The Pharaohs initially kept the Russians at bay only to capitulate in the first half of the second stanza.

Captain Ahmed Fathi put through his own net with two second half minutes gone before the hosts took the game away from their opponents with two goals in three minutes from Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dyzuba.

Villareal forward Cheryshev is now the joint topscorer (3 goals) while his teammate Artem Dzyuba has 2 goals to his name.

Salah pulled one goal back for Egypt on 72 minutes to become only the third Pharaoh to score a World Cup goal but it proved to be mere consolation for Hector Cuper’s men.

Hosts Russia will confirm their place in the last 16 if Uruguay avoid defeat against Saudi Arabia in tomorrow’s Group A clash, while Egypt need a Saudi win to stay alive.