Egypt grabbed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe to edge closer to the World Cup final qualifying round. An 87th minute penalty from Mohamed Abou-Treika saved Egypt from an embarrassing draw against a young and enthusiastic Zimbabwe side. Hosni Abd-Rabou's freekick was cancelled out by a superb goal from Zimbabwe star striker Knowledge Musona until Abou-Treika saved the day for Bob Bradley's men. Egypt cement their position on top of Group G with nine points from three games, while Zimbabwe remain rock bottom on a single point. Courageous Warriors Despite being huge outsiders, Zimbabwe appeared to be going for a win against an obviously-nervous Egypt side, who were lucky not to concede early on when skipper Denver Mukamba missed by inches. As the attack quartet of Geddo, Mohamed Salah, Mohamed Ibrahim and Abou-Treika struggled to find the rhythm in the final third, the latter was unlucky to see his header bounce off the post following a vital touch by goalkeeper Washington Arubi. The Warriors were gradually gaining confidence as they managed to hold on to a first-half stalemate, with Bradley taking off Ibrahim for Ahmed Fathi at half time. In the 65th minute, Abd-Rabou hit a trade-mark freekick that was too strong to handle by Arubi, who almost made the save with his fingertips. With the momentum on their side, Egypt had a chance to kill the game off but Abou-Treika's powerful effort went agonizingly wide of the post, following an excellent cross by Ahmed Shedid. Once again, the Warriors were saved by the woodwork when Salah latched onto an expert through pass by Abou-Treika before smashing into the bar from close range. As Egypt seemed close to another goal, Zimbabwe hit on the counter, thanks to an explosive finish by Musona, who brilliantly outmuscled Mohamed Naguib before blasting home. The unexpected goal put Egypt under severe pressure and evoked memories of the shock defeat to Central African Republic in the last home game, but once again it was the legendary Abou-Treika who saved the Pharaohs. The veteran showed no nerves to convert home from the spot after Salah was brought down by Augustine Mbara following a typical run by the Basel star.
