Egypt scored two first-half goals to beat Zambia 2-0 in a pre-match friendly ahead of the World Cup qualifying playoff against Ghana next week. Knowing that a victory by less than five goals would mean nothing to them next Tuesday, the Pharaohs could only manage to score twice in the opening 22 minutes against their hosts in Cairo. Amr Zaki and Rami Rabiea were the scorers as manager Bob Bradley fielded a much different side to the one that was thrashed 6-1 in Ghana last month. Ahmed Al-Shennawi started in goal at the expense of in-form Ahli guardian Sherif Ekrami, while Rabiea replaced skipper Wael Gomaa beside Mohamed Naguib. Zamalek's Mohamed Abdul-Shafi played in left back, with Hazem Emam taking Ahmed Fathi's place on the right flank. In midfield, Hosni Abd-Rabou and Hossam Ghaly were selected behind advanced duo Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Abou-Treika. Zaki and Geddo led a two-man frontline, completing a total of seven changes by Bradley. Zaki scored the first goal after a good combination between Abou-Treika and Salah. Rabiea doubled the lead with a well-placed volley after another cross by Abou-Treika.
