Egypt moves closer to WC

Egypt midfielder Mohamed Salah Maputo - Arab Today Egypt booked a place in the final World Cup qualifying round Sunday courtesy of a 1-0 victory against Mozambique. In-form Basel FC winger Mohamed Salah struck four minutes before the break to help the Pharaohs keep their 100 percent record in Group G intact. Salah, whose hat-trick inspired Egypt to a 4-2 win at Zimbabwe last week, took his tally to 14 goals in 22 international appearances, and pushed Egypt a step closer to their first world cup since 1990. The winning goal, in the 41st minute, typified Egypt's approach in these qualifiers. A trademark defence-splitting pass from striker Mohamed Aboutrika released right-back Ahmed Fathi, whose cut-back found the unmarked Salah in the area to drill home. Egypt are on top of the group with maximum 15 points from five games. They boast an unassailable eight-point lead over second-placed Guinea, who have played a game less but cannot catch the Pharaohs. The African draw for the final round, involving the 10 group winners from round two, will be made on 16 September in Cairo. The five best-placed sides from the world rankings of 12 September will be seeded for the draw.