Egypt’s 38-match unbeaten run ended

Johannesburg Record seven-time Africa Cup of Nations title holders Egypt suffered a stunning 3-2 home loss to ten-man Central African Republic on Friday in a first-round qualifier staged behind closed doors.

The first leg result ended a 38-match unbeaten home run by the Pharaohs since qualifying was introduced in 1965 and leaves them in danger of elimination after the teams clash again on June 30 in Bangui.

Despite the disadvantage of playing at a silent Borg Al Arab military stadium in Mediterranean city Alexandria, Egypt were expected to build on an impressive World Cup qualifying triumph in Guinea last week.