It has taken more than 80 years, but Egypt finally won a match at the World Cup as they came from a half-time deficit to beat New Zealand 2-1 in Vancouver on Sunday.
Egypt had competed previously at the 1934, 1990, and 2018 finals but did not win in seven outings and began the 2026 finals with a draw against Belgium.
Mostafa Zico pulled the first goal back 13 minutes into the second half before Mohamed Salah scored his first World Cup goal nine minutes later. Substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet made sure of the comeback with a goal eight minutes from the end.
Here are SuperSport.com’s player ratings for the Egyptians:
Mostafa Shoubier (6): Had little chance as Finn Surman’s header from a corner gave New Zealand a first-half lead but did make several good stops.
Mohamed Hany (5): Did not get in enough decent crosses from right back, and his stats were not impressive but did contribute to the team’s success.
Yasser Ibrahim (6): Caught out of position at some set pieces but did get the better of the Kiwi’s giant striker Chris Wood in some aerial duels.
Hamdy Fathy (5): Used as a quasi-defender/defensive midfielder but suffered an innocuous-looking non-contact injury five minutes from half-time and left the field a dejected figure.
Ahmed Fatouh (7): Won 75 per cent of his duels and had a 91 per cent passing accuracy in a competent performance at left back.
Marawan Attia (6): Another who was sitting in and moving the ball around from deep in the midfield. Sturdy as always, although caught out once or twice.
Mohanad Lashin (7): Booked inside the opening 20 minutes but finished the game without the threat of a second caution and made several key progressions forward with the ball that helped put Egypt on the front foot.
Emam Ashour (8): It is going to be difficult for Al Ahly to hold onto the midfield workhorse who was again everywhere on the pitch and is among the best African players at the competition.
Mostafa Zico (7): Showed strength going forward on the right and got the equaliser that Egypt deserved after the pressure they applied from the start of the second half.
Mohamed Salah (7): Closely watched and had far too many ‘nearly moments’ before galvanising the turnaround and getting the World Cup goal he has long craved.
Omar Marmoush (5): Always busy and looking dangerous but did not get the opportunities.
Rami Rabiah (7): On for Fathy towards the end of the first half, and made some telling interceptions with his customary aggression at the back, where he slotted in.
Mohamed Abdelmaguid (concussion sub), Hamza Abdelkarim, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Hossam Abdelmaguid, and Ahmed Zizo all came on as substitutes but not for long enough to get a rating.
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