Rafik Saifi had a great chance to level after 24 minutes when he was played through by Karim Ziani's ball over the top but he sent a lobbed effort over the bar.

CNN: Algeria left stunned by battling Malawi

It was end-to-end just after the hour as Rafik Saifi headed Hassan Yebda's fine cross straight at Egypt keeper Essam Al Hadary, before the Pharaohs' best move of the match ended with Chaouchi diving low to save after a neat turn and shot from Emad Moteab, Saturday's key goalscorer in Cairo.

BBC: Yahia sends Algeria to World Cup