Abou Trika stars for Egypt

Egypt midfielder Mohamed Abou Trika Cairo - Arab Today Egypt midfielder Mohamed Abou Trika celebrated his 100th cap by scoring one goal and creating three in a 4-2 World Cup qualifying win over 10-man Guinea on Tuesday. The result of the Group H dead rubber maintained the 100 percent record of the 'Pharaohs' as they chase a first World Cup appearance since the 1990 finals in Italy. Abou Trika is the ninth Egyptian footballer to reach the 100-cap milestone and retired compatriot Ahmed Hassan holds the world record with 184 national team appearances. Egypt finished with 18 points, Guinea 10, Mozambique three and Zimbabwe two in a mini-league dominated from start to finish by the seven-time African champions. Fears of crowd trouble in politically turbulent and security sensitive Egypt meant the game was staged in El-Gouna -- far from popular football venues Cairo and Alexandria. It was the first time the Pharaohs have played at the Red Sea watersports resort, 450 kilometres north-east of capital city Cairo. The rudimentary 12,000-seat stadium has also been used recently for African club fixtures by Cairo powerhouses Al-Ahly and Zamalek. Egypt made a disastrous start, falling behind after only four minutes when Adam El Abd from English second-tier outfit Brighton conceded an own goal. A mix-up between El Abd and goalkeeper Sherif Ekrami led to the early bonus for Guinea as they sought to avenge a 3-2 home loss last year. The home side gradually took control and almost levelled midway through the half when goalkeeper Naby Yattara clawed away a 'Shikabala' free-kick. Ibrahima Bangoura had a half-chance at the other end five minutes later, but his tame effort trickled into the hands of Ekrami. Egypt equalised seven minutes before the break when Hossam Ghaly volleyed into the net after an Abou Trika free-kick was not cleared. Early second-half drama saw Guinea captain Kamil Zayatte red carded for handling a goal-bound shot and Abou Trika converted the resulting penalty. But 10-man Guinea hit back just six minutes later when Seydouba Soumah beat El Abd to the ball and raced clear to net. Yattara saved superbly from 'Shikabala' and Guinea substitute Mohamed Yattara was spared embarrassment by being ruled offside after missing a sitter. Egypt nudged in front again with seven minute left and Abou Trika was involved once more, back-flicking the ball to Mohamed Salah, who rounded the goalkeeper and scored. There was no stopping Abou Trika as he put Amr Zaki through on goal and a drive from the substitute landed in the net off Mohamed Sakho. Source: AFP