Substitute Mohamed Fadl was the hero of the night as his 78th-minute strike proved to be the winner of a one-way traffic contest.

The African champions comfortably lead the group with 12 points as all other rivals tie at seven after Mauritania beat Burundi 2-1 in Nouakchott.

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata opted to an ultra-attacking starting line-up, with Amr Zaki, Emad Meteb, Mohamed Zidan and Mohamed Abou-Treika leading the frontline.

The home side put pressure on their opposition since the first minute, but without much effect on goal despite some shy attempts from Zaki.

The under-fire Zamalek striker was unlucky to see his header rattle off the bar in what looked to be Egypt's best chance of the first half.

However, the visitors were within a whisker of producing a huge shock when, against the run of play, Richard Bangwe's volley forced a superb save from Essam Al-Hadari.

Hosni Abd-Rabou had a chance to open the scoring shortly after the break, but his low shot was cleverly parried by Modiri Marumo.

Al-Hadari once again was called into action when he denied a clear on goal Botswana midfielder who was about to punish the Egyptians on the counter.

Shehata brought on Fadl at the expense of Meteb ten minutes after the interval, and the Ismaili striker relieved the home fans with his first genuine attempt on goal.

Sayed Moawad's fine cross was met by Zaki, who flicked the ball to Fadl, and the latter smashed in a low header to score the only goal of the game.

Watch Egypt's winner: