Egypt survive Iran scare in 1-1 thriller as VAR drama and Salah injury shape Group G finale

By Angu Lesley

Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon

Egypt and Iran played out a dramatic 1-1 draw in their final Group G match, a game defined by early Egyptian pressure, a missed penalty, injury disruption, and late VAR controversy that denied Iran a potential winner.

Egypt started strongly and took the lead in the 5th minute through Mahmoud Saber, who finished from close range after sustained pressure inside the box. The early goal gave Egypt control of the match and allowed them to settle into a structured and confident rhythm in possession.

Iran responded with growing intensity and were handed a major chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty in the first half. Mehdi Taremi stepped up, but his effort was saved by Egypt goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir, who produced a crucial stop to preserve Egypt’s lead at that stage of the game.

Egypt nearly extended their advantage soon after when they struck the woodwork, coming close to a second goal during a dominant spell that could have shifted the match further in their favour. However, Iran gradually worked their way back into the contest and found their equaliser in the 39th minute through Ramin Rezaeian, who finished a well-worked move just before half-time.

The second half became more tense and balanced, but Egypt suffered a significant setback when Mohamed Salah was substituted in the 56th minute due to injury, forcing a tactical reshuffle and reducing their attacking threat going forward.

Iran pushed for a winner in the closing stages and came extremely close when they struck the crossbar late in the match, narrowly missing what could have been a decisive goal. The game then reached its most dramatic moment in stoppage time when Iran thought they had scored a late winner, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside after a lengthy review.

The match ended 1-1 after a high-intensity finish, with both sides left reflecting on key missed opportunities and decisive moments.

Egypt’s fate in the tournament was already secured before kickoff, as they had guaranteed qualification to the Round of 32. The draw confirmed their progression as Group G runners-up, marking a strong and disciplined group-stage campaign. Iran’s qualification hopes now depend on overall group standings and third-place rankings after being denied a late victory by VAR.