Egypt completed the double over Botswana with another 2-0 victory at Cairo Stadium to keep up pressure on Senegal and Tunisia in a tough challenge to reach next year’s African Nations Cup finals in Morocco.
In a carbon-copy of Friday’s game in Gaborone, Egypt struggled to break down Botswana in the first half but things opened us after the break, with two goals from striker Amr Gamal and winger Mohamed Salah handing them their second Group G win after two opening defeats.
Ahly’s Gamal, who was once again deployed as a lone striker as coach Shawky Gharib stuck to the same starting line-up which beat Botswana 2-0 on the road, broke the deadlock seven minutes after the break with a curling shot from just inside the area after an assist from Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny
Salah was on target for the second successive game, notching home with aplomb after another deft long ball from Elneny on 72 minutes to send the home fans into ecstasy.
Several thousand fans were allowed to attend the match despite an ongoing crowd ban in domestic competitions. The atmosphere was largely festive until the hour mark, when some fans in the northern stands threw firecrackers onto the pitch.
The security forces swiftly reacted by firing tear gas to stop them amid concerns over the role of hardcore supporters in Egyptian football.
Egypt are third in Group G with six points from four matches, one behind Senegal and four adrift of leaders Tunisia with two matches remaining.
The Pharaohs, who have not qualified for the Nations Cup since lifting the last of their record seven trophies in 2010, host Senegal next month before facing Tunisia away from home in their final match. The top two will automatically reach the biennial tournament.
Watch the goals here
Goals:
Fans Reactions:
After Match Press Conference
Match Review with Ahmed Shoubier:
