Mohamed Salah produced a vintage performance as Egypt came from behind to defeat New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday, securing the Pharaohs’ first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and moving to the top of Group G.
After a subdued first half in which New Zealand took a surprise lead, Salah sparked Egypt’s second-half revival with a goal and an assist as the North Africans overturned the deficit to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
“It’s a great achievement for all the players,” Salah said after the match.
“It’s a great win. It’s a great vibe. The next game is very important.”
The victory lifts Egypt to four points from two matches following their 1-1 draw with Belgium in the opening round. New Zealand, who drew 2-2 with Iran in their first match, remain bottom of the group with one point. Belgium and Iran earlier played out a goalless draw.
New Zealand executed their first-half game plan effectively, mixing direct play with disciplined possession. Their reward came in the 15th minute when defender Finn Surman escaped the attention of Ahmed Fatouh at a corner and powered a header into the net to stun the Egyptian supporters.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan admitted his side needed a strong response at halftime.
“At half-time I told the players we were not going back out on to the pitch unless we were determined to win and to draw confidence from the pride we feel from that support,” Hassan said.
“To the Egyptian football community, we needed time to build confidence, to capitalise on our strengths and reflect on our journey to qualification, as well as the hard work of previous generations who tried to create these opportunities.”
His message had the desired effect.
Although Callum McCowatt nearly doubled New Zealand’s advantage early in the second half, his glancing header was tipped over the crossbar before Egypt seized control.
The equalizer arrived in the 58th minute when Mostafa Ziko rose to head home Mohamed Hany’s inviting cross from the right.
Nine minutes later, Salah delivered the decisive moment. The Liverpool forward surged down the right flank, exchanged a quick one-two with Ziko and calmly slotted his finish into the far corner to complete the turnaround.
Salah came close to adding a second goal in the 81st minute after cutting inside and seeing a deflected effort fly over the bar. Moments later, however, he turned provider, delivering the resulting corner for substitute Trezeguet, who dived in at the near post to head home Egypt’s third goal.
As the match entered the 10th minute of stoppage time, Egyptian supporters inside the stadium whistled impatiently for the final whistle.
When it finally came, deafening celebrations erupted as Salah and his teammates celebrated a landmark victory, while Hassan completed a jubilant lap of the pitch draped in an Egyptian flag.
“Salah worked hard on the pitch and this is something you should know,” Hassan said.
“I am maybe the first coach to let him play in a position that matches his danger, that matches his capabilities and qualities. We worked on so many things and I am sure we are going to see more from him.”
Egypt will now head into their final Group G fixture knowing another positive result could secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history.
