African nations slug it out for spot in Russia 2018

Egypt move closer to qualification as Zambia put pressure on Nigeria

Egypt moved closer to a first World Cup appearance since 1990 when they defeated Uganda 1-0 on Tuesday, thanks to an early goal from Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah.

A near-capacity crowd in the 85 000-seat Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria saw the June signing from AS Ro- ma strike just six minutes into the Group E clash.

Salah sneaked behind the defence and after goalkeeper Denis Onyango parried his first attempt, he poked the rebound into the net to decide the top-of-the-table showdown.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey scored a hattrick as Ghana kept faint hopes of a fourth straight World Cup appearance alive with a 5-1 thrashing of Congo in Brazzaville. Egypt have nine points after four rounds, Uganda seven, Ghana five and Congo just one.

Leaders Ivory Coast suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat by Gabon in Group C, but the damage was lessened by second-place Morocco only drawing 0-0 with Mali in Bamako.

Axel Meye and Southampton recruit Mario Lemina scored within 10 minutes during the first half for the Gabonese, who crumbled 3-0 at home to Ivorians three days ago.

Ivory Coast have seven points, Morocco six, Gabon five and Mali two, with the final-round clash of the top two nations set to decide who goes to Russia.

Defeat to Cape Verde dropped South Africa to the bottom of Group D, which is headed by Burkina Faso after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Senegal in Ouagadougou.

Bertrand Traore gave the Burkinabe an early lead, only for a goal in each half from Ismaila Sarr and Liverpool star Sadio Mane to turn the tide.

But substitute Senegal goalkeeper Pape N’Diaye conceded an own goal in the final minute of regular time to keep Burkina Faso on top of a tight table.

Tunisia retained a threepoint lead over the DRC in Group A after coming from two goals behind in Kinshasa to salvage a 2-2 draw.

Captain Kennedy Mweene saved a Riyad Mahrez penalty as second-placed Zambia beat Algeria 1-0 in Constantine to close the gap behind Group B leaders Nigeria to three points. –