Egypt continued their unbeaten streak in the World Cup qualifiers as they defeated Sierra Leone 1-0 at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The result sees the Pharaohs remain at the top of the Group A standings, stretching their lead now to a total tally of 16 points after six matches played.

The atmosphere in Cairo was electric as the Egyptians showed intent to score from the moment play began. Mohamed Salah was particularly looking dangerous in the early stages of the game, but Sierra Leone goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay was alert to keep him out.

On the other end towards the end of the first half, the Leone Stars built up their confidence as Kei Kamara took a shot at goal, but Pharaohs shot stopper Mohamed El Shenawy dealt with the danger quickly.

The breakthrough finally came for the home team at the stroke of half-time in the 47th minute when a well-worked team effort saw Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed ease the pressure by scoring. The group leaders then went into the break with renewed confidence.

The second stanza saw the Egyptians continue to rule ball possession wise, but they were unable to make the most of another chance from Mohamed Salah in the 53rd minute who missed a sitter after receiving a pass from Omar Marmoush.

There were handball claims from the Leone Stars in the 64th minute as the ball hit an Egyptian defender in the penalty area, but the referee said there was nothing doing.

The match continued with the home team seeking to double their lead once again in the 83rd minute as Salah and Marmoush linked up, but were unable to find Trezeguet, who was the last man in front of goal.

The away team didn’t do much to get themselves back into the game, but it was a nervy final five minutes as the Pharaohs held on to take home all three points.

Egypt (1) 1 (Sayed 45+2’)

Sierra Leone (0) 0

Egypt: M. El Shenawy, M. Hany, R. Rabia, M. Abdelmonem, Trezeguet (M. Fathi 90+2’), M. Attia, A. Koka, M. Salah, A. Sayed (M. Shehata 73’), O. Marmoush, M. Mohamed (H. Fathy 57’)

Sierra Leone: A. Sesay, E. Samadia, S. Tarawallie, J. Bah, A. Turay, N. Jalloh (M. Dumbuya 87’), A. Koroma, A. Dumbuya (M. Bangura 83’), T. Fornah, M. Kamara (A. Conteh 46’), K. Kamara (M. Kamara 73’)