The result opened a three-horse race in the group with defending champions Egypt favoured to sail through. The Pharaohs lead the group with nine points ahead of Burundi and Botswana with seven points each. Mauritania are lying bottom of the group with four points.
The Zebras will qualify for the tournament for the first time if they do the unthinkable - beat Egypt in their daunting Cairo backyard in the last match of the group on October 13. At the same time, the Young Zebras must pray that Mauritania beat visiting Burundi. So far, 13 countries have secured their tickets to the showpiece next year and the Egyptians were expected to qualify on Sunday but the draw in Bujumbura spoilt the party. Zebras' coach Colwyn Rowe said yesterday that he is delighted the race in the group has gone down to the wire. "We were praying for a draw in this game (Burundi-Egypt) and it went our way. Now, we can fancy our chances but realistically it would be difficult to beat Egypt at home," he said.
