Egypt have become the second African team after Nigeria to qualify for the 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was the hero – converting a stoppage time penalty against Congo at Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria to return the Pharaohs to grandest football platform for the third time and a first since Italy 1990.

Salah broke Congo’s resiliance in the 63rd minute to second the fully parked 60,000 sitter capacity Stadium into pandemonium.

Bouka Moutou, however, threatened to ruin the party with an equalizer with four minutes left.

With tears starting to roll freely, the hosts earned a stoppage time penalty which Salah stepped forward to convert to reignite wild celebrations.

The win cements Egypt’s grip atop group E on points – four clear of second placed Uganda.

They will face Ghana in the final round of the qualifiers next month, while Congo will host Uganda.