Egypt is on the brink of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations for the first time since 2010 and has eliminated Nigeria following a 1-0 win in Alexandria.
Teenager Ramadan Sobhi scored the crucial goal for the record seven-time champions in the 65th minute at Borg El-Arab Stadium on Tuesday. Egypt needs just a draw with Tanzania in its final qualifier in June, and can also qualify if it loses by two goals or less.
Nigeria, the 2013 African champions, have now failed to make two straight African Cups.
Egypt won its record-extending seventh title in 2010 but the political turmoil at home over the last five years has contributed to its struggles.
Cameroon took a big step toward qualifying by drawing 0-0 in South Africa.
