Egypt defeated Senegal 1-0 in the first leg of their World Cup play-off on Friday evening to take a slender lead to Dakar for Tuesday’s return.
Mohamed Salah helped force the only goal of the Cairo International Stadium clash four minutes after the kick-off, with his shot rebounding off of Saliou Ciss and past Edouard Mendy in the Senegalese goal.
Senegal kept pressing until the final whistle in search of an equaliser but were kept at bay by the Egyptian defenders.
The away goals rule is still in use in the African qualifiers.
Egypt’s Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhi on Friday congratulated players and coaching staff of the national team on winning the first-leg clash in the FIFA World Cup’s playoffs.
Today’s victory is an important step towards qualifying for the World Cup, Sobhi said.
He urged the Egyptians to support their national team to fulfil the dream of reaching the prestigious tournament.
He affirmed his confidence in their determination to win the second-leg game in Dakar Tuesday.
