A sluggish performance from Egypt saw them held to a goalless away draw by Botswana in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday. The result put Egypt temporarily on top of Group B with four points, one ahead of second-placed Mauritania, who play Burundi on Sunday. In the first-half, Egypt dominated in terms of possession but threatened on very few occasions and failed to break Botswana's rigid defense. In the 18th minute, Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' connected with Ahmed Hassan's inch-perfect cross from the right flank to head the ball over the bar. Six minutes later, Mohamed Zidan passed the ball on the edge of the area to the darting Mohamed Abou-Treika who fired a powerful shot just wide. It was no difference in the second period as the five-time African champions continued with the same monotonous manner. Werder Bremen forward Zidan had the best chance of the game seven minutes after re-start when he went face-to-face with Botswana keeper but his shot went poorly wide. In the 70th minute, Substitute Hosni Abd-Rabou sent a close-range shot into the top corner but the keeper tipped it away. The Pharaohs increased their pace in the last ten minutes and almost snatched the winner twice. Abd-Rabou made a brilliant exchange with Ahmed Fathi inside the area but his low drive was saved by the keeper. Mido wasted a golden opportunity just before the final whistle when he received Hossam Ghaly's cross at the far post but failed to find the net as his header went just wide. The referee blew the whistle and Botswana's English coach Cowlyn Rowes rushed into the pitch to celebrate his side's precious draw.
