Egypt scored twice in a 10-minute spell in the second half Friday to earn a 2-0 win over Mozambique in its opening World Cup qualifier and first game at home in eight months. Defender Mahmoud Fathallah tapped in the opener in the 54th minute at an empty military stadium on the Mediterranean coast near Alexandria, where fans weren't allowed in because of security concerns. Mozambique goalkeeper Joao Kapango conceded an own goal in the 63rd for Egypt's second after Mohamed Zidan's volley came off the post and deflected in off the keeper. It was American coach Bob Bradley's first competitive game in charge of Egypt, and first on home soil, after taking over last year amid political upheaval following the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak. Egypt's interior ministry gave permission for the qualifier to go ahead but ruled it should be played behind closed doors. More than 70 people died in clashes at a league game in February. “This first win in World Cup qualification was for all the people of Egypt,” said Bradley, who hugged each of his players as they came off the field at the end. “We've all had many challenges, and the team felt that it was important to go out tonight and play for everyone. “We talked before the game to look into the stands and to see 90 million fans, because they were all with us tonight.” Egypt hasn't qualified for the World Cup since 1990. Its next qualifier is away to Guinea next weekend. Ghana routs Lesotho In Kumasi, Ghana, Ghana thrashed Lesotho 7-0 in a World Cup qualifier Friday that was interrupted by a floodlight failure in the second half. Ghana was already up 4-0 at Kumasi Sports Stadium when the lights went out in the 54th minute and caused the game to be temporarily suspended. Goals from Sulley Muntari, Jordan Ayew and a brace from Dominic Adiyiah had put the 2010 World Cup quarterfinalists in control before the lights failed. Stadium officials got the floodlights working again and Christian Atsu, Ayew and Jerry Akaminko scored in the last 10 minutes to underline Ghana's dominance. Ghana also faces Sudan and African champion Zambia in Group D. Kiwis prevail In Honiara, Solomon Islands, stand-in captain Tommy Smith scored the only goal as New Zealand battled to a 1-0 win over Fiji in its opening match at the Oceania Nations Cup Football Tournament Saturday. Later, the Solomon Islands beat Papua New Guinea 1-0 to delight fans at the Lawson Tama Stadium. Benjamin Totori scored the only goal in the fifth minute of the Group B match.
