Egypt could well be appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1990 after a 3-0 win over Rwanda in capital city Cairo. Egypt had to win before an expectant crowd of approximately 35,000 fans and midfielders Hosny Abd Rabou and Mohamed Aboutrika, who scored a brace, scored the goals. Egypt have had a remarkable summer so far having troubled Brazil and claiming victory over world champions Italy last month at the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009.
The win lifted the reigning African champions from last place in Group C to second, level on four points with Zambia but three adrift of Algeria at the halfway stage of the final qualifying phase. Rwanda have only one point in the race to finish first and qualify for the world cup next summer. The competition between African nations has been fierce as the World Cup next summer will be the first time the tournament is hosted in Africa.
*Group C table – 7th July 2009
