Egypt qualifies for Russia 2018 World Cup, Thanks to Mohammed Salah double
Mohamed Salah was the Egyptian hero, scoring both goals in a win that qualified them for their third finals - and first since 1990.
Congo's equaliser four minutes from time, as Arnold Bouka thumped home, had dampened spirits in Alexandria.
But the Egyptians' World Cup hoodoo ended as Salah held his nerve late on.
His dramatic winner sparked wild scenes of celebration both on and off the pitch, as several players and fans took to the field to celebrate while supporters wept with joy in the packed stands.
The Liverpool star had broken the deadlock just after the hour on a tense night in Alexandria as he latched on to Mohamed El Nenny's pass before poking home from close range.
But an energised stadium was flattened just minutes from time when Bouka ghosted in at the far post to slam a volley home past Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.
Hopes were raised as five minutes of stoppage time were indicated and in the penultimate minute, Egypt were awarded a penalty.
Salah coolly sent the Congo keeper the wrong way to spark a night of celebrations across Egypt and end the record seven-time African champions' poor World Cup record.
In the 27 years since their last World Cup appearance, Egypt have won four Africa Cup of Nations titles - in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010 - but never taken that form to World Cup qualifying.
Instead, they had suffered repeated heart-break, with one of the most painful defeats coming in 2009 when losing a bitterly-contested play-off against Algeria.
So great was the desperation to qualify ahead of the game that Egypt's Argentinian coach Hector Cuper admitted he was taking medication for high blood pressure.
The victory gives Egypt an unassailable four-point lead over Uganda in Group E, with one round of fixtures remaining.
Earlier this year, the North Africans - whose first World Cup appearance was way back in 1934 - finished runners-up in the Africa Cup of Nations.
BBC
— Zaid Benjamin (@zaidbenjamin) October 8, 2017
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