CHILALABOMBWE, Zambia: Hosni Abd-Rabou scored a late goal Saturday to give African champion Egypt a 1-0 win at Zambia and maintain its chances of qualifying for next year s World Cup.

Egypt was running out of ideas when Sayed Moawad found Abd-Rabou lurking close to the edge of the penalty area in the 70th minute, and his powerful shot flew into the top corner.

The win moves Egypt level with Algeria on 10 points at the top of Group C, but Algeria has played a game less and can stay three points clear if it beats Rwanda at home on Sunday.

Egypt plays Algeria in a decisive match at the Cairo International stadium next month.