France, Dec. 23 -- The inconsistent form of the Egypt skipper at his English Premier League outfit Liverpool overshadowed his side's preparation for the game in Agadir.

But in the prelude to the kick-off, Egypt boss Hossam Hassan backed the 33-year-old to shrug off his domestic cub woes to inspirethe national squad.

That faith looked misplaced 20 minutes into the encounter when Zimbabwe striker Prince Dube rose to head Emmanuel Jalai's cross from the right wing past the Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

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Egypt dominated possession as they sought an equaliser and the Zimbabweans eventually folded under the pressure. Omar Marmosuh levelled in the 66th minute....