Three Algerian players were hurt today when youths stoned their bus as they arrived in Cairo for a World Cup qualifier against Egypt.

Algerian sports minister Hachemi Djiar had claimed some of the players had been hospitalised before Saturday's match.

However, state radio reported later that the three players had not been seriously injured.

A reporter for state radio said that about 200 young people appeared just as the team's bus pulled into their hotel, and launched a hail of stones at the vehicle.

"It was a very regrettable incident," said Djiar, who is minister for Youth and Sport. "On the way from the airport the bus was attacked by a group of youths who were throwing stones.”

Djiar said Fifa officials were aware of the incident and were meeting to decide what action to take.

Morocco, meanwhile, have lost an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for the award of a 3-0 victory in their World Cup and African Nations Cup qualifier with Togo, who they believe fielded an ineligible player.

Togo defender Abdul Mamah played in the 0-0 draw in Morocco, two weeks after appearing against Gabon in a game he should have missed due to the accumulation of yellow cards.

Morocco suggested Mamah’s one-match ban should have applied to the following match — their fixture with Togo in Rabat — and requested a win by forfeit in the contest which acted as a World Cup and African Nations Cup qualifier.

Fifa, however, ruled Togo’s match with Gabon should be forfeited 3-0 — Gabon were 3-0 winners anyway — and CAS supported the ruling made by world football’s governing body.