Egypt beats Zimbabwe

Egypt team celebrates crucial 4th goal Cairo - Hisham Chahine The Egyptian national football team maintained its chances of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, after a 4-2 win against Zimbabwe 4-2 at the National Stadium in Harare on Sunday. The result all but killed off Zimbabwe's slim chances of going through to the next round, leaving them rock bottom of Group G with just one point. Egypt strengthened is position at the top, moving to 12 points. Despite a powerful display, Egypt's back line suffered some shaky moments throughout the 90 minutes, whilst upfront, Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Aboutrika made sure defensive errors didn't cost the team. The Pharaohs got off to a flying start when Aboutrika fired them ahead in the 5th minute after receiving a brilliant pass from the energetic Salah. The Zimbabweans then levelled matters in the 21st minute when Knowledge Musona capitalised on a defensive error from Mahmoud Fathalla to fire home. The visitors restored their lead twenty minutes later, when Salah turned from provider to scorer. The FC Basel forward jinxed his way past Zimbabwe's defence in the 41st minute to beat goalkeeper Washington Arubi. Klaus-Dieter Pagels’ men threatened to equalise yet again after the break but Egypt goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy pulled off a series of spectacular saves to keep his side in the lead. Salah then grabbed his brace in the 76th minute with another solo effort to give his side a much-needed two goal cushion when they were under pressure. The hosts refused to lie down and managed to pull one goal back in the 81st minute when Lincoln Zvasiya slotted home to set up an entertaining finish to the match. However, it was Salah who had the last laugh as the winger completed his hat-trick two minutes later to secure maximum points for Bob Bradley's side. A draw against Guinea in their next qualifier on August 6 in Egypt will be enough to see the Pharaohs go through to the play-offs.