African champions Egypt slumped to a stunning 1-0 defeat at Niger on Sunday that dented their hopes of qualifying for the Nations Cup, a tournament they won a record seven times. Egypt are facing the unthinkable prospect of missing out on a place in the 2012 finals after an embarrassing display away from home. A first-half goal from Moussa Maazou, who capitalized on a dreadful blunder from Egypt's makeshift left-back Mohamed Abdul-Shafi, helped tiny Niger cause a huge upset. The gulf in class between Egypt, ranked ninth in the world, and their unfancied opponents, who are ranked 154, was not evident in a night to forget for Hassan Shehata's men. Niger, who became joint leaders with South Africa, have three points in Group G. Egypt, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Sierra Leone in their opening game of the qualifiers, face an uphill to climb if they are to avoid missing out on the Nations Cup for the first time since 1982. South Africa could go five points clear of Egypt if they beat Sierra Leone later on Sunday. The winners of the 11 groups and the best two runners-up will reach the Nations Cup, which will be held in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Skipper Absence The absence of skipper Ahmed Hassan, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury against Sierra Leone, affected Egypt's midfield which was so fragile against Niger. Ahli's Hossam Ghaly played instead of his Ahli teammate Hassan but his presence was not felt. Egypt midfielders tried to release the frontmen with some long balls in the first half but their efforts were not useful. The poor state of the pitch could not help the visitors control long balls or move them around smoothly. Although Egypt had the better possession, it was Niger who created the first half's only goalscoring opportunity. Daouda Kamilou rose above Abdul-Shafi in the 21st minute to meet a cross from the left but his header narrowly missed the target. Egypt had a half chance six minutes later when Ismaili's Ahmed Ali, who partnered Amr Zaki upfront but was a peripheral figure, failed to get on the end of a cross from Ahmed Elmohamady. Maazou gave Niger an unlikely lead in the 34th minute after making the most of Abdul-Shafi's error. Abdul-Shafi, deputizing for the injured Sayed Moawad, was the last Egyptian defender when he dithered over clearing the ball. The onrushing Maazou outpaced him and gathered the ball to break clear and beat Essam Al-Hadari at the near post with a precise shot. One useful, two not Shehata made three substitutions in the second half in a bid to pump life into Egypt's jaded-looking side. Ahli striker Mohamed Fadl replaced the ineffective Ali and ENPPI playmaker Walid Soliman was introduced instead of Ghaly. Harras Hodoud frontman Ahmed Mekki also came on few minutes later instead of Amr Zaki but Soliman was the only substitute who managed to leave his mark. The 25-year-old's pace and dribbling skills helped Egypt pile on pressure although they still lacked sharpness. Egypt had to thank Al-Hadari for producing two great saves to prevent Niger from doubling their advantage after a lapse of concentration from central defender Wael Gomaa. Mahmoud Fathallah found the net in the 76th minute after a free kick but his goal was ruled out for offside. Fellow defender Sherif Abdul-Fadil, who made a rare start, fired a powerful drive that forced a superb save from Niger keeper and Fathallah headed wide from close range in the dying minutes. Niger defended in numbers in stoppage time to claim one of the most remarkable victories in their history.
