Egypt took a major step toward qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations when they crushed hosts Malawi 4-0 at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe yesterday. Egypt rise to the top of Group E on nine points, level with Guinea.
Malawi and Ethiopia have three points apiece in third and fourth. All four teams still have a mathematical chance of qualification, though the Pharaohs and the Syli National are now the clear favourites to book two berths at the finals in Ivory Coast next year.
Egypt got off to a flying start and claimed the lead as early as the fourth minute: Tarek Hamed latched onto a layoff from Mohamed Salah on the edge of the penalty area and lashed home a powerful drive which gave goalkeeper Charles Thomu no chance.
The Pharaohs doubled their advantage in the 16th minute, with a loose ball from a corner kick rebounding into the net off Omar Marmoush, and in the 21st minute Salah exchanged passes with Mostafa Mohamed before firing home a left-footed shot for 3-0.
Egypt needed just five minutes of the second half to add to their lead, with Mohamed Hany crossing from the right to pick out Zizo, who stabbed a low shot into the bottom corner of the net for 4-0.
Credit: supersport.com
