Egypt have overcome a big obstacle after defeating Rwanda 1-0 away in Saturday's World Cup qualifier, coach Hassan Shehata said. "The players did their best and rose to the occasion against a stubborn opponent," Shehata told Egyptian Radio after the game. "It was a big obstacle but we managed to clear it to take an important step towards reaching the World Cup. "We will now concentrate on the remaining games to fulfill the fans' dreams." Skipper Ahmed Hassan, who replaced injured playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika in the starting line-up, notched home from close range on 68 minutes to give the Pharaohs a hard-fought victory in Kigali. They claimed all three points despite missing a host of key players due to injury. The African champions had to do without the likes of Amr Zaki, Abou-Treika and Mahmoud Fathallah. Zamalek striker Mido was also left out due to lack of match fitness while Borussia Dortmund's Mohamed Zidan was overlooked for disciplinary reasons. "There are some players who will boost us in the coming games when they return from injury," Shehata added. Egypt, who have two matches remaining, are still second in Group C with seven points, behind leaders Algeria on goal difference. Algeria can regain their three-point lead if they beat Zambia, who have four points, at home on Sunday. Only the group winners will qualify for next year's South Africa finals.
