DAKAR -- Senegal snatched a 1-0 home win over World Cup qualifying group C leaders Morocco on Saturday, denying the visitors a point which would have put them into next year's finals.

The result means the battle for the group's qualification spot goes to the final set of matches in two weeks' time, when Senegal and Egypt could both finish level on points with Morocco, meaning goal difference will decide the group.

Both sides attacked from the start, but Senegal got the break they needed in the 17th minute. A long ball upfield from defender Ferdinand Coly found striker El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf, who netted to bring his tournament tally to seven goals.

Morocco fought back and prevented Senegal extending their lead despite several scoring chances.

But the visitors failed to equalise despite a couple of late attempts on goal which were deftly kept out by Senegalese keeper Tony Dasilva.

"We have done what we needed to do -- now we must go to Namibia to win qualification," said Senegal's French coach Bruno Metsu.

The result left Senegal on 12 points, equal with Egypt but trailing on goal difference after the Egyptians hammered Namibia 8-2 away on Friday.

Morocco, who have played all their matches, lead the group with 15 points, but with an inferior goal difference to both Egypt and Senegal.

Egypt play away in a fortnight's time to Algeria, while Senegal travel to bottom-placed Namibia.