Mohamed Zidan opened the scoring for the Pharaohs

African champions Egypt beat Mauritania 3-0 in Cairo on Sunday to go three points clear in Group Two of Nations Cup qualifying.

Mohamed Zidan set the Pharaohs off to a flying start as he opened the scoring after 20 minutes at the Cairo International Stadium.

Three minutes later, Mauritania's Belal Sedebeh put through his own net under pressure from the Egyptian attack.

Group Two Egypt 7 points Botswana 4 pts Burundi 3 pts Mauritania 3 pts

Finally, Hossam Ghaly wrapped up the three points with a super strike after 66 minutes.

The win takes Egypt to 7 points, three more than Botswana who beat Burundi 1-0 in Gaborone earlier in the day.

Thato Siska scored the all-important goal after 57 minutes as the Zebras gained their first victory of the campaign.

Siska struck from long range in a period when Botswana were beginning to dominate the tie.

Burundi and the Mauritanians prop up the table, with three points apiece.