Egypt need just one point to qualify for the next stage

Egypt moved to within a point of reaching the final phase of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers after pulling off a surprise 1-0 away in DR Congo on Sunday.

Mohamed Aboutrika scored the winner as the African champions coasted to their fourth win in Group 12.

The playmaker, author of the winning goal in February's African Nations Cup final, scored after 31 minutes.

Egypt need a single point from their last qualifier at home to Djibouti next month to advance to the final phase of the African qualifiers for the 2010 finals in South Africa.

The Congolese are now under severe pressure, needing to beat Malawi away in their last game to stand any chance of progressing.

Aboutrika chipped the ball over the home goalkeeper after persistent play from Wigan Athletic striker Amr Zaki had taken the ball away from the DR Congo defence.

Zaki led the line for Egypt after Middlesbrough striker Mido was left on the bench because of injury concerns.

DR Congo gambled on the fitness of striker Lomana LuaLua but he lasted just 12 minutes before hobbling off with the recurrence of a knee injury.

Meanwhile, Malawi kept their hopes alive thanks to their 3-0 win over Djibouti on Friday.

Goals from Chiukepo Msowoya, Moses Chavula and Nyondo secured the impressive win for visitors.

The victory at the Gouled Stadium in Djibouti City took the Flames level on nine points with DR Congo.

Djibouti are already out of contention for a place in the second phase of the qualifiers as they have no points after five matches.

They have so far conceded 26 goals and found the net only two times.