ALEXANDRIA, Egypt – Egypt beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, with Mohamed Aboutrika's 88th-minute winner from the penalty spot rewarding the 10,000 fans allowed in to watch a Pharoahs home game for the first time in over a year.
Aboutrika delivered Egypt's third win in three games in qualifying, putting the Pharoahs and former U.S. coach Bob Bradley in good position to advance to the playoffs that will determine Africa's five spots for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
This was the first time fans had been allowed in for an Egyptian home game since riots at Port Said stadium over a year ago. Soldiers patrolled the stadium while riot police surrounded the outer edges of the field.
Midfielder Hosny Abd Rabo gave Egypt the lead with a free kick on 65 minutes. Knowledge Musona equalized for Zimbabwe in the 75th.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.