CAIRO: Egypt assistant coach Hamada Sedki believes that Rwanda s defensive formation was the reason why the Pharaohs couldn t break the deadlock in the first half of Sunday s World Cup qualifier.

The African champions won the game 3-0 after struggling during the first half, which ended in a goalless draw.

It was a tough game for the Egyptians in the first period because Rwanda were playing defensively, but we eventually registered a win, Sedki told Al-Hayat TV.

The high fitness was the key element which helped our players seal the victory after the interval.

The win lifted Egypt to Group C second place with four points from three games, three behind leaders Algeria.