Egypt Coach Hassan Shehata Hails Team After Rwanda Win

Egypt coach, Hassan Shehata, has saluted his players for winning all three points on a tricky trip away in Rwanda on Saturday, saying this was an important step in their quest to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

"The players did their best and rose to the occasion against a stubborn opponent," Shehata told Egyptian Radio after Ahmed Hassan's 67th minute match winner gave the African champions full points in Kigali.

"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."

Egypt were victorious even with several key players like Mohamed Zidan, Amr Zaki, Mohamed Aboutrika and Mahmoud Fathallah.

"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 Three with seven points, behind leaders Algeria on goal difference.

Algeria could regain their three-point cushion at the top if they beat Zambia, who have four points, at home on Sunday.

Only the group winners will qualify for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Samm Audu, Goal.com