The Pharaohs of Egypt became only the second African nation to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia after they defeated Congo 2-1 in Alexandria.
Liverpool forward Mohammed Salah was the hero for the Egyptians as he weighed in with a brace either side of Arnold Bakou Moutou’s equaliser for the Congolese.
Ahead of the game, the Egyptians knew a win would be enough to seal a first world cup appearance since 1990. After a goalless first half, Salah gave Egypt the lead but the home side were dealt a huge blow following Moutou’s equaliser with two minutes left on the clock.
They recovered from that setback as Salah held his nerve to score from a last gasp penalty thereby booking his team’s place in Russia next year.
Group E:
Egypt 21 Congo
Uganda 0-0 Ghana
Standings
- Egypt 12 points
- Uganda 8 points
- Ghana 6 points
- Congo 1 point
