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Underdogs Egypt shook five-times world champions Brazil at the Confederations Cup on Monday but finally succumbed 4-3 when Kaka converted a penalty in time added on for stoppages.

African champions Egypt had fought back from two goals down to level at 3-3, scoring twice in a minute early in the second half, and pressed forward in search of a winner which would have shaken world football.

The Brazilian defence were clearly rattled but in the end their dignity was saved by the late penalty. Egyptian substitute Ahmed Al Muhamadi stopped a shot from Alexandre Pato with his arm on the goal line and Kaka, who had scored Brazil''s opening goal, netted from the penalty spot to secure victory.

The Egyptian defender was sent off by English referee Howard Webb. In the opening match in group B of the eight-nation tournament for continental champions, Brazil struck early, Kaka scoring in the fifth minute as he steered a difficult bouncing ball through the defence with three deft touches before stroking
home past keeper Essam El Hadary.

But the African champions gave quick notice of their determination to play on even terms with Brazil, drawing level just four minutes later when Mohamed Aboutrika broke free on the right and crossed for Mohamed Zidan to head home.

SET PIECES

Brazil struck twice from set pieces before halftime, Luis Fabiano glancing home a great header from an Elano cross in the 12th and defender Juan heading in an Elano corner in the 37th.

Despite the scoreline, Egypt''s quick-passing game had troubled the languid Brazilians throughout the first half and they reaped the benefits soon after the break.

Mohamed Shawky hit back in the 54th minute when he struck a powerful shot into the bottom corner from just outside the box after clever approach play down the left.

Within a minute the scores were level as Brazil''s defence cracked under pressure. The excellent Aboutrika threaded the ball through for Zidan to notch his second of the game.

The Brazilians weathered the storm and finally gained a victory they scarcely deserved. Italy and the United States meet in the other game in group B in Pretoria later on Monday.