A reliable source at EgyptAir said the private plane flying the Egyptian national team to Congo was delayed in its departure from Brazzaville Airport for almost four hours due to lack of plane fuel.

The Pharaohs' team faced Congo as part of their campaign in the final phase of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

The source said the plane, carrying the Egyptian team, was scheduled to take off from Brazzaville Airport on Sunday 10 pm (GMT) but it was delayed for almost four hours due to lack of fuel at the airport. 

The air carrier has immediately contacted the Egyptian ambassador in Congo to settle the problem, said the source, the plane's fuel was only enough for the plane to make a trip to Chad's N'Djamena International Airport.

Contacts have been made with EgyptAir office in Chad to inform the Chadian authorities of the need to provide the plane with necessary fuel for its flight to Cairo.

The plane has been refuelled at Chad's airport and is expected to arrive at Cairo International Airport later in the day.

Egypt secured a 2-1 win over Congo in the Group E qualifying for 2018 World Championship.

Source: MENA