Egypt failed to live up to their status as continental heavyweights, tying Zambia at home in the final round of qualifying for South Africa 2010, Ahmed Morsy reports Reigning African champions Egypt failed to kick off the World Cup qualifiers final round in convincing fashion after being held to a 1-1 draw by Zambia in Cairo on Sunday. Although Zambia have always been inconsistent performers, they remain one of the strongest sides on the continent, as they underlined once more in the game by putting an end to the Pharaohs' record of seven consecutive FIFA World Cupqualifying wins. One reason for the result was that several Egypt players played out of their usual positions. Ahmed Fathi and Mohamed Barakat played on the left flank in an unusual 4-4-2 formation. Mohamed Zidan played as a playmaker to support strike duo Amr Zaki and Emad Meteb. Big names Mohamed Abu Treika, Hosni Abd Rabou and Mido started on the bench. The Zambians counted on swift counter attacks that helped them expose Egypt's defence twice in the first half. Although Egypt dominated possession, they found it hard to break down Zambia's resilient defence. In-form right wing-back Ahmed El-Mohamedi whipped in several pinpoint crosses but they went begging. Zaki managed to pounce on one of these crosses to give Egypt the lead in the 27th minute. The Wigan Athletic man ghosted behind his marker to side-foot El-Mohamedi's right- wing cross past keeper Kennedy Mweene. Despite taking a first-half lead, Egypt were never able to exert control and it came as little surprise when Herve Renard's side equalised and then held on for a point. A corner found Dennis Banda unmarked at the far post to flick the ball towards the other side. Kasonde rose unopposed to head past the static Essam El-Hadari and restore parity 13 minutes after restart. Egypt coach Hassan Shehata introduced Abu Treika and Mido in the second period, taking off ineffective duo Meteb and Zidan. The six-time African champions mounted a late surge but still failed to notch the decisive goal. Zambia had to thank goalie Mweene for denying Egypt a win after the 24-year-old guardian superbly blocked a close-range shot from Abu Treika, who was fed by Zaki. With section rivals Algeria and Rwanda also drawing goalless on Saturday, Group C promises to be one of the tightest of the five groups. The five group winners qualify for the gigantic event that will take place in South Africa next year. Egypt assistant coach Shawki Gharib does not believe that Sunday's draw with Zambia will dent the team's hopes of reaching the 2010 World Cup finals. "There is a long way to go," Gharib, who usually speaks to media instead of head coach Hassan Shehata, told the post-match press conference. "Our draw against Zambia doesn't mean that we will not qualify for theWorld Cup. Our confidence should not drop. "Algeria also drew so we shouldn't be that worried. Yes we were held at home but in modern football it doesn't matter. Away and home tiesare the same." Gharib also rued Egypt's wasted chances throughout the match. "We had many chances to kill off the game but we failed to make the most of them. "Anyway, Zambia played well and successfully closed down spaces in midfield although they did not create clear-cut chances." Zambia coach Herve Renard hailed the performance of keeper Mweene after gaining a precious point. "Our keeper played a fantastic game," French tactician Renard told the post- match press conference. "His saves denied Egypt from scoring another goal. We had a good start but, unfortunately, slowed down after scoring the opener. Luck was on our side in the second half." Zambia, who have never played in the World Cup, will next face Rwanda at home on 6 June. Egypt, who haven't reached the World Cup competition since 1990, will face Algeria away from home also on 6 June. Our match against Rwanda will be difficult because they will do their best to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations," Renard added. The first team in each group goes to the World Cup while the second and third best teams qualify for the Africa Nations Cup in Angola in early 2010. In Group A, Morocco suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat to Gabon in Casablanca to open their campaign in the worst possible way. Togo also sprung a surprise by beating Cameroon 1-0, thanks to Emmanuel Adebayor's 11th-minute goal. In Group B, Nigeria also failed to shine, grinding out a 0-0 draw with Mozambique who should have won the game. Tunisia top the group after securing a valuable 2-1 away win in Kenya on Saturday. In Group D, Ghana got off to the best start possible with the only goal in the first minute of their match against Benin. As a result, Ghana top Group D after Mali and Sudan's 1-1 draw on Saturday. In Group E, Burkina Faso are second in the group after their 4-2 win over Guinea on Saturday. At least 22 people died and more than 130 people were injured in a crush at a football stadium during a World Cup qualifier in Ivory Coast. About 36,000 spectators were in the stadium, where hosts Ivory Coast beat Malawi 5-0 in Group E. The Ministry of Sport and the Ivorian Football Federation have confirmed the number of deaths, saying the incident occurred when thousands of fans tried to squeeze into the city's main stadium. A wall collapsed, reportedly under the weight of the supporters, causing those already trying to squeeze into the stadium to panic. Group A Morocco 1-2 Gabon Togo 1-0 Cameroon Group B Kenya 1-2 Tunisia Mozambique 0-0 Nigeria Group C Rwanda 0-0 Algeria Egypt 1-1 Zambia Group D Sudan 1-1 Mali Ghana 1-0 Benin Group E Burkina Faso 4-2 Guinea Ivory Coast 5-0 Malawi
