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KINSHASA, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Mohamed Aboutrika scored the winner as African champions Egypt beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 away in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
The playmaker, author of the winning goal in February's African Nations Cup final, scored after 31 minutes in the Group 12 match.
Egypt need a single point from their last qualifier at home to Djibouti next month to advance to the final phase of the African qualifiers for the 2010 finals in South Africa.
The Congolese are now under severe pressure, needing to beat Malawi away in their last game to stand any chance of progressing.
Aboutrika chipped the ball over the home goalkeeper after persistent play from Wigan Athletic striker Amr Zaki had taken the ball away from the Congo defence.
Zaki led the line for Egypt after Middlesbrough striker Mido was left on the bench because of injury concerns.
Congo gambled on the fitness of striker Lomana LuaLua but he lasted just 12 minutes before hobbling off with the recurrence of a knee injury.
