Egypt moved a step closer to qualifying for next year’s tournament, maintaining a five-point lead over second-placed Burkina Faso in Group A with two rounds remaining.

The evening, however, took a worrying turn for the Pharaohs when Marmoush was forced off the pitch nine minutes into the game following a heavy challenge.

Egypt’s team doctor, Mohamed Abu El-Ela, confirmed the injury was “a bruised knee ligament”.

“The player will undergo an X-ray upon his arrival to Cairo Wednesday morning,” the Egyptian Football Association said on its official X account, citing the doctor.