Egypt were given a golden chance to qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia with a match to spare after Uganda and Ghana played out a goalless draw in Kampala on Saturday.

Following a match that witnessed hugely controversial refereeing decisions, with Ghana denied what seemed two legitimate goals and a clear penalty, Egypt would now need a home win over bottom side Congo in Alexandria to book a World Cup berth before going to the Black Stars in the final 

Ghana, who dominated the majority of the game, were denied a first-half goal after Daniel Amartey headed in a free kick home before the ref disallowed the goal, allegedly for offside.

The Ghanaians were also deprived of another goal in the last kick of the match, prompting huge protests from the visitors’ bench right after the final whistle.

Egypt are currently top of Group E on nine points, one ahead of second-placed Uganda and three clear of third-placed Ghana.

A win for Egypt over Congo on Sunday would take the Pharaohs directly to the World Cup for the first time since 1990, without needing a result from their last game against Ghana away from home. 

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