No room at the top

One point would send Cameroon through while the Pharaohs need three.

The Algerians need only a draw against Zimbabwe in Tuesday's other match in Sousse to qualify.

Egypt are still fuming after their late loss to 10-man Algeria last Thursday. Coach Mohsen Saleh stated that he considered himself responsible for the defeat.

Algeria, backed by thousands of fanatical supporters who have poured across the border for their games in Sousse, held Cameroon 1-1 before the 2-1 win over Egypt.

Cameroon will be forced to wear a new strip for the game as soccer's governing body FIFA has told them to drop the one-piece kit they used in their first two games.

The banned athletics-style kit also features eye-catching red claw marks down the sides and concealed zips in the shoulders.

Cameroon striker Patrick Mboma poses the biggest threat to the Egypt defence. The Japan-based player blasted a hat-trick past Zimbabwe but was still not satisfied with his side's performance.

"I hope we'll make progress, perhaps not by scoring more goals but by conceding fewer, or better still, none at all," he said.

Algeria's meeting with Zimbabwe, meanwhile, may not be a foregone conclusion.

Zimbabwe, powered by the ageless Sheffield United striker Peter Ndlovu, led both Egypt and Cameroon before going down 2-1 and 5-3 respectively while Algeria rode their luck in both their first two games as their opponents carved out chances but failed to convert.

Zimbabwe coach Sunday Masimo said his team would try to shore up their defence: "I think we're going to put up a good show and we'll try not to concede the goals we did (against Cameroon)," he said.