Chiukepo Msowoya's last-gasp volley earned Malawi a stunning 1-0 home victory over African champions Egypt in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers on Saturday. The Malawi striker notched the winner deep into stoppage time after a poor clearance by Wael Gomaa as Egypt failed to maintain their 100% record in Group 12. The defeat leaves Egypt in third place of the group with six points, behind Malawi and DR Congo on goal difference. Egypt had a makeshift frontline due to the string of injuries which hit the Pharaohs' strikers. Ahmed Raouf partnered natural midfielder Ahmed Eid upfront. They were supported by talented winger Shikabala. Shikabala came close to putting Egypt in front after six minutes when he headed Ahmed Al-Muhammadi's right-wing cross just wide of the post. The visitors were denied a clear penalty in the 20th minute when Raouf was brought down inside the area while he was on his way clear on goal. Malawi's pacey players dominated midfield but they were restricted to long-range shots for much of the first half.
Zaki had little impact Essam Al-Hadari dived at full stretch to block a fierce drive from a Malawi forward. Egypt should have gone ahead in the 32nd minute when Eid's powerful shot was parried by Malawi keeper into the path of Raouf. However, the ENPPI man was too slow to react, allowing the keeper to re-gather the ball. Mediocre Display Egypt failed to push forward in the second half and lacked creativity to threaten the hosts. Star striker Amr Zaki, who was deemed doubtful for the game, was introduced in the second half but did not make a notable impact. Two minutes from time, midfielder Hosni Abd-Rabou tried his luck from distance but his left-footed shot narrowly missed the target. Msowoya sealed an invaluable win for Malawi three minutes into injury time. He took advantage of Gomaa's poor headed clearance inside the area to volley home into the roof of the net.
