CAF World Cup qualifying wrap: Egypt still perfect

Egypt have taken control of African World Cup qualifying Group G with a 2-1 home win over Zimbabwe on Tuesday.

The Egyptians took the lead in the 65th minute at the Borg El Arab Stadium, with Al Nassr midfielder Hosny Abd Rabo scoring the goal.

Zimbabwe were level 10 minutes later thanks to a strike from Knowledge Musona, but Egypt would not be denied and they went in front for good in the 88th minute after a penalty from Mohamed Abo Trika.

The win moved Bob Bradley’s side to nine points in Group G after three matches, five clear of Guinea with Mozambique on two points and Zimbabwe on one.

In Tuesday’s other African World Cup qualifier, Algeria moved to the top of the Group H standings on goal difference thanks to a 3-1 victory at home over Benin.

The hosts were in front after 10 minutes at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker when Sofiane Feghouli scored, but Benin levelled though Cardiff City striker Rudy Gestede 27 minutes in.

Saphir Sliti Taider restored Algeria’s lead on the hour mark, and Benin suffered a huge blow late on when goalkeeper Fabien Farnolle was given a straight red card.

He was replaced between the posts by Guillaume Bemenou, but the substitute was powerless to stop Islam Slimani’s 92nd-minute strike that sealed victory for the Algerians.

The victory lifted Algeria above Mali on goal difference in Group H, with both sides level on six points, while Benin have four and Rwanda prop up the table on one point.