WC dream shattered

• After yesterday’s 1-0 defeat against Egypt 2010 World/Africa Nations’ Cup Qualifier Group CRwanda 0-1 Egypt (yesterday)Algeria vs Zambia (Today) Group EMalawi 2-1 Guinea Group AGabon 0-2 Cameroon AT this point, one does not have to be a rocket scientist to know that Rwanda’s 2010 World Cup dream is no more. Last evening, Branko Tucak’s wasps succumbed to an agonizing 1-0 defeat against African champions Egypt. It was the last nail in the coffin for Amavubi who started the game with a mathematical chance of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in South Africa. Ahmed Hassan, a second half substitute scored the lone goal of the game after being set up by Ahmed Fathi after 68 minutes. The goal was a result of some mix-up in the Amavubi defence. Edwin Ouoin, Amavubi’s new skipper Hamad Ndikumana and Saddou Boubakary all failed to clear the ball allowing Hassan to pounce on a cutting ball from Fathy. Amavubi’s goalie Jean Claude Ndoli could do little to stop the Al-Ahly midfielder from scoring what later turned out to be the winner and a precious three points for the Pharoahs who are chasing for their third World Cup appearance. The Pharaohs could have won by a bigger margin if it were not for Ndoli’s heroics. The APR custodian denied Mohammed Shawky, Abd Rabou, Sayed Moawad and Wael Gomma. However, Amavubi had chances of their own but couldn’t find the net; something which has eluded them since they started their third and final qualification round. Olivier Karekezi’s effort on the 58th minute was denied by the Egyptian goal keeper Essam El Hadary. Hadary also had to make quick saves to deny Saddou Boubakary and Haruna Niyonzima. Tucak’s move to bring on Aimable Rucogoza, Daddy Birori and Bokota Labama did not make much difference as Egypt continued to dominate. The win left Egypt level on points (seven) with Group leaders Algeria although the latter can move three points clear if they can beat Zambia in Blida this afternoon. Rwanda remains at the foot of the group with a point.In Group A, Cameroon won away from home to keep their 2010 World Cup dream alive. Cameroon scored two quick goals to beat Gabon 2-0, in what was their first home defeat of the 2010 qualifiers. Achille Emana put the indomitable lions ahead after 66 minutes before Samuel Eto’o; Cameroon’s new captain put the result beyond Gabon’s reach with a second strike. Malawi also earned their first points of the final stage of 2010 qualifying with a 2-1 win over visitors Guinea in Group E. In Abuja, Nigeria and Tunisia go head-to-head for the lead in Group B while Ghana could also become the first African qualifier for the World Cup. The Black Stars need to beat Sudan and hope that Mali and Benin draw in Group D. The five group winners will qualify for the World Cup in South Africa while the top three in each group advance to the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. Group C GP W D L PTS Algeria 3 2 1 0 7Egypt 4 2 1 1 7Zambia 3 1 1 1 4Rwanda 4 0 1 3 1 Ends