CHANGZHOU (China), April 15 : Pakistan maintained their hopes alive to qualify for the hockey World Cup finals despite another disappointing performance edging out minnows Egypt 2-1 on Saturday.

Egypt rocked former world champions taking the lead through Ahmed Mohammad in the 31st minute. Mudassar Ali Khan leveled the matters in the 44 minutes.

He deflected the ball past Egyptian goalkeeper after receiving a pass from the right.

Pakistan were frustrated by Egyptian defenders and had to wait till the 60th minute when it scored the winner courtesy Imran Warsi.

It was another frustrating day for Pakistan who had to struggle against lowly Egypt despite dominating the proceedings from the outset.

Pakistan should have easily won the match by much bigger margin but for poor finishing by goal-shy forwards who missed nearly half a dozen chances.

In other matches, England outplayed Canada 5-2 to remain to remain top of the group with maximum nine points from three outings.

Belgium overcame a fighting Ireland 1-0 to be tied with

Pakistan on seven points.—Agencies