Salah’s late penalty sends Egypt to Russia 2018 World Cup

The Pharaohs of Egypt scored a 95th-minute penalty to secure a 2-1 win over Congo in Alexandria on Sunday night to pick up the second African ticket to 2018 World Cup.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was the hero of the day, as he netted twice in the second half to make of no effect a 87th-minute Congo equaliser which came through Arnold Moutou.

Salah opened the scoring exactly twenty three minutes into the second half to raise the hopes of highly-elated Egyptian fans. But the crowd went silent when the equaliser came three minutes to stoppage time.

The game was heading to a draw before a penalty was awarded to the home side on 95 minutes, for which Sallah stepped up to the spot and stole the show.

Read also: Rohr happy Eagles survived ‘difficult’ group to seal World Cup spot

Egypt are qualifying for their first World Cup since 1990 when Italy hosted, and their presence in Russia will make it their third since debuting in 1934 also in Italy.

The Pharaohs alongside the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Spain, Germany, England, Brazil, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and hosts Russia are guaranteed to be at the World Cup finals next summer.

Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary could become the oldest player ever at a World Cup.

Egypt, who top Group E on 12 points, will play their last group game next month away to Ghana, who drew goalless against Uganda on Saturday albeit under controversial circumstances.

Three African tickets are still up for grabs in groups A, C and D. Winners will emerge during the next international break between 10-14 of November, 2017.

 

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