Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver on Sunday, claiming their first ever FIFA World Cup victory.
The result moved the Pharaohs to the top of Group G with four points, two clear of Belgium and Iran, who drew 0-0 earlier in the day.
In front of more than 52,000 spectators at BC Place stadium, New Zealand took the lead after 15 minutes when Finn Surman headed in Tim Payne’s corner.
Mostafa Shobeir made several crucial saves to keep Egypt in the game before half-time.
Egypt improved after the break and found the equaliser in the 58th minute, when Mostafa Ziko headed in Mohamed Hany’s cross.
Nine minutes later, Mohamed Salah turned the game around. The Egypt captain drove into the box from the left, exchanged a quick one-two with Omar Marmoush, and sent a low left-footed finish into the net to put the Pharaohs ahead.
Mahmoud Trezeguet sealed the victory eight minutes from time, meeting Salah’s cross with a diving header to cap a historic night for the seven-time African champions.
Egypt now know a win against Iran in their third and final group stage match would be enough to finish top of the group.
For Hossam Hassan, this was more than just a World Cup win. The Egypt coach, who had faced months of pressure and criticism, answered his critics in the best possible way, guiding the Pharaohs to a historic victory and offering another reminder of their long-standing success with local coaches.
Egypt
Mostafa Shobeir (GK)
Mohamed Hany
Yasser Ibrahim
Hamdi Fathi
Rami Rabia 41′
Ahmed Abou El Fotouh
Marwan Attia
Mohanad Lasheen
Mostafa Ziko
Hamza Abdelkarim 76′
Mohamed Salah
Hossam Abdelmaguid 84′
Mohamed Abdelmonem 90+9′
Emam Ashour
Zizo 84′
Omar Marmoush
Trezeguet 76′
New Zealand
Max Crocombe (GK)
Tim Payne
Tyler Bindon 85′
Finn Surman
Michael Boxall
Liberato Cacace
Jesse Randall 76′
Joe Bell
Marko Stamenic
Callum McCowatt
Benjamin Old 66′
Sarpreet Singh
Ryan Thomas 76′
Elijah Just
Francis De Vries 85′
Chris Wood
