Egypt needed an 87th minute penalty to edge a gutsy Zimbabwe side 2-1, even though the seven-time African champions were tipped for a comfortable win.

“We are happy to get the full mark. It is for the first time that Egypt get three wins out of three in the World Cup qualifiers,” Bob Bradley’s assistant Al-Sayed said after the game.

“Yes we have some negatives but there also positives and the most important thing is that we are five points clear of our closest rivals.

“Zimbabwe have a young and new team but they are a side to respect. They are a decent team and in the World Cup qualifiers, there are no weak teams.

“I hope we get more support from the media because I have some doubts that our work is not being appreciated. We are working under very tough circumstances.

“Support will help us reach the World Cup and so the youth team can win the African Championship and do well at the World Cup. This would finally revive the dead soul of sport in Egypt.”

Egypt’s next game will also be against Zimbabwe in Harare in June as a victory for the Pharaohs would all but see them make the final qualifying stage.