The South Americans looked to be on their way to an easy win in Group B after first-half goals from Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Juan opened up a 3-1 lead at the break.

But two goals in as many minutes soon after the restart, from Mohamed Shawky and first-half scorer Mohamed Zidan, had Egypt dreaming of a memorable win.

Those hopes were dashed a minute from time, however, when defender Ahmed Al Muhamadi handled a Lucio shot on the line and was given his marching orders by referee Howard Webb.

Kaka, who had been a largely peripheral figure, then stepped up to coolly convert the spot-kick.

Substitute Giuseppe Rossi scored a brace to help Italy mount a second-half recovery against 10-man United States and claim victory in their Confederations Cup debut in Pretoria.

The world champions were trailing 1-0 at the break after Landon Donovan fired his side ahead from the penalty spot, despite the earlier dismissal of Ricardo Clark who was given a straight red card for a foul on Gennaro Gattuso.

But the introduction of Rossi just before the hour mark turned the game. The Villarreal striker blasted home from 30 yards to equalise before Daniele De Rossi put Italy in front with 18 minutes left.

Rossi then added the finishing touch in injury time as the Azzurri moved joint top of Group B alongside Brazil.