The Pharaohs now split summit with Libya on seven points each.

Egypt will play a strong Saudi Arabia in the last game in Cairo on Sunday.

On Saturday, Libya will have an easy encounter against the second-string Sudanese team, who were crushed 5-0 by the host nation.

Libya were able to keep a clean sheet in spite of repeated raids from Egypt, who prepare for defending their African title in Ghana next January.

Osama Mohamed came close five minutes past the hour mark but his effort slammed the crossbar and Hosni Abd-Rabou's were free-kick was parried by keeper Taysir Aboud in the first period.

Veteran goalie Essam Al-Hadari rescued Egypt from a late defeat when he saved a fierce shot from Salem Al-Rawani four minutes from time.