Egypt marked Bob Bradley's first year as the team's coach with a 0-0 draw against Georgia in a friendly game on Wednesday. The seven-time African champions have won 12 games, drew four and lost three since the American boss took over last year. Egypt failed to reach next year's Nations Cup finals under his guidance following a stunning 4-3 aggregate defeat by minnows Central Africa but made a fine start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, winning their first two group-stage games. Chances were few and far between in a dull first half that briefly came to life after 37 minutes when Egypt winger Mahmoud Abdel-Razek ‘Shikabala' had a lob tipped over by Georgia keeper Giorgi Loria. Egypt coach Bradley's decision to field a three-pronged attack without a recognized striker did not pay dividends as Mohamed Salah, Shikabala and Ahmed Temsah struggled to trouble their opponents. The Pharaohs, who had to do without the players of Ahly ahead of Saturday's African Champions League final against Tunisia's Esperance, notably improved in the second half following the introduction of midfielder Saleh Gomaa and striker Amr Zaki, with the latter wasting two goal-scoring opportunities. The burly frontman, who plays for Turkish side Elazigspor, saw his curling shot from the edge of the area blocked by Loria, who made another timely interception to deny Zaki following a one-on-one situation seven minutes from time. Holding midfielder Hosni Abd-Rabou was also unlucky to see a powerful volley crash off the bar. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports)
