Holders Egypt on brink of Nations Cup exit
Reuters - Sunday 05 June 2011, 20:47
CAIRO - Defending champions Egypt were all
but eliminated from the African Nations Cup qualifying campaign
after being held to a 0-0 draw by South Africa in Cairo on
Sunday.
Egypt have not won a match in their qualifying group, rooted
to the bottom of the standings with just two points and left
with only the slimmest mathematical chance of salvaging their
situation.
South Africa are now one win away from ensuring top place in
Group G and qualification to the 2012 finals after a tense game
at the Military Academy Stadium in the Egyptian capital.
Veteran goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari made several important
stops to thwart South African breakaways and his opposite number
Itumeleng Khune also produced key stops, notably just before
halftime from Ahmed Elmohamady.
Egypt have won the last three Nations Cup titles but left
the field to jeers from their supporters.