Libya snatched a late goal to upset neighbours Egypt 2-1 this weekend in a tense World Cup qualifier.

Nader Kara gave the Libyan

Greens a first-half lead, Amr Zaki levelled soon after half-time and Ahmed Osman struck an 84th-minute winner to lift his team into first place on the Group 3 standings.

Libya have 10 points, Ivory Coast nine, Egypt and Cameroon seven each, Benin two and Sudan one. Sudan host Cameroon late Saturday and Benin entertain Ivory Coast Sunday in other fifth-round fixtures.

The rise of the Libyans to top spot emphasised the competitiveness of the pool as Ivory Coast (twice), Egypt and Cameroon have also occupied pole position in a competition comprised of 10 rounds that continues until next October.

Winners of the five African groups secure berths at the 2006 World Cup in Germany while the top three finishers in each pool qualify for the African Nations Cup to be hosted by Egypt earlier the same year.

Captain and midfielder Tarek al-Taeb, recalled after missing the drubbing of Benin in the Libyan capital last month due to suspension, was the Greens' hero as he created both goals.

Kara controlled a pass from the Turkey-based skipper, beat an offside trap and lobbed the ball over veteran goalkeeper Nader al-Sayed to put Libya ahead after 31 minutes on a warm evening in the Mediterranean city.