(Reuters) - Egypt’s bid to secure World Cup qualification was put on hold after a 0-0 draw against Burkina Faso in a sluggish Group A encounter in Ouagadougou on Tuesday.
Hossam Hassan’s unbeaten side moved to 20 points and lead Group A by five points ahead of Burkina Faso, with two matches remaining in the qualifiers.
With only the group winners qualifying automatically, the seven-time African champions need two points from their last two games to guarantee their spot and a fourth appearance at the World Cup. They will face Djibouti and Guinea-Bissau in October.
Egypt suffered an early setback when Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush was forced off through injury in the ninth minute.
Their best moment came in the 67th minute when Mohamed Salah set up Osama Faisal but the substitute’s strike was ruled offside.
Egypt's Trezeguet had the first chance of the game, but his effort was saved by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi.
The home side rarely attacked, with Sunderland forward Bertrand Traore leading most of their best efforts.
Egypt went close to grabbing a winner in the final moments, but Mostafa Mohamed missed two chances.
Egypt coach Hassan, however, celebrated the result, which moved his side one step closer to reaching the 48-team tournament to be held in North America next year.
(Reporting by Mohamed Yossry in Cairo, editing by Toby Davis)
