Against a Kenya side reduced to 9 men, and after a tough encounter, Egypt became the first team to qualify for the finals of the All-African Games.

Following a goalless draw in the first leg, which was held in the Egyptian city of Port Said last Monday, yesterday's match, despite still being held in Egypt, was considered Kenya's "home" match.

Kenya had travelled to Egypt to take part in a five team tournament but after three nations pulled out African football's governing body, Caf, ruled that both matches would still take place in Egypt.

Consequently a score draw on Egyptian soil would have been enough to grant the Egyptians their ticket to the finals according to the rules of these unique qualifiers.

The Kenyans played a brave game but a physical one too, with some aggressive tackles against the Egyptian players that cost them two red cards.

The Tanzanian referee Abdulkadir Issack sent off Adam Shaaban in the 25th minute and Andrew 10 minutes before the final whistle.

Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage, the Kenyans were able to surprise the 3000 fans at Port Said stadium by taking the lead through Dennis Oaking in the 47th minute.

The Kenyan lead would not last, however.

Egyptian substitute Mohamed Mohsen Abu Greisha was the man of the night.

He replaced injured Memo just before the break and was able to score twice in the 64th and 87th minutes.

Egypt's 2-1 win gave them an aggregate victory by the same score - and the first ticket to the 2003 All Africa Games.

The Games will take place in Nigeria next year.