5- World Cup 1994...The Zimbabwe nightmare After securing a 2-1 victory that was enough to send them to Africa's final World Cup qualifiers, Egypt were forced to play a rematch with Zimbabwe following an infamous crowd incident. The decisive match in Lyon was nothing but a forgettable experience for Egypt, who went extremely close to a win after Magdi Tolba had infamously missed an open net. 4- CAN 2004...Algeria's only win Egypt were off to a winning start in Tunisia 2004, beating Zimbabwe 2-1 before losing to Algeria by the same scoreline ahead of the decisive final group game against Cameroon. Mohsen Saleh's side were just one point behind Algeria at this stage, only for the latter to lose to rock bottom Zimbabwe and hand Egypt a rare chance of qualifying...but the record champions could draw 0-0 with Cameroon. Although Egypt scored more goals, the Algerians snatched the qualifying on the head-to-head record, thanks to their only win in the tournament. 3- U-20 World Cup 2013...The fourth Ghana goal Although Egypt had no excuses after losing their first two games, the Young Pharaohs almost went through the group stage with a 2-0 victory over England. However, the dramatic victory meant nothing as Egypt needed a third goal to beat Ghana's goals-for record after the Black Satellites downed USA 4-1, crucially benefiting from the fourth goal by Kennedy Ashia. 2- World Cup 2010...Algeria again In a ferocious battle for a World Cup ticket, Egypt were one goal short of surpassing Algeria and the Pharaohs almost did it when Mohamed Barakat hit the side netting in the 98th minute of the final group game. In the playoff match, Algeria's Antar Yehia scored the decisive goal that sent his nation through to South Africa 2010. 1-2009 Confederations Cup...one goal short! After an epic 4-3 defeat to Brazil, Egypt shocked Italy in South Africa before going into the last match against the point-less USA with a good chance of qualifying to the semis. The Pharaohs were even helped by Italy's 3-0 drubbing to Brazil in the other group game, which gave them the advantage of going through even if they lost by two goals. However, Clint Dempsey scored a crucial third goal for the US, sending Bob Bradley's side through and kicking Egypt out.
