By Angu Lesley
Football writer kick442.com – Cameroon
Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to a historic comeback victory over New Zealand as the Pharaohs finally secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup win, ending a wait that stretched back 92 years.
Egypt, the first African nation to participate in the World Cup in 1934, had gone seven matches without victory across previous appearances in Italy 1934, Italy 1990 and Russia 2018.
But at BC Place in Vancouver, history was finally made.
New Zealand struck first in the 27th minute when defender Finn Surman headed the Oceania side in front, threatening to extend Egypt’s long-standing World Cup frustration.
The North Africans, however, responded superbly after the interval.
Mostafa Mohamed levelled matters in the 58th minute, converting a cross from Mohamed Hany to spark the Egyptian revival.
Captain Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s only outfield player based outside the domestic league, then took centre stage. The Liverpool forward completed the turnaround in the 72nd minute before turning provider nine minutes later when his delivery was headed home by Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” in the 81st minute.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among Egyptian supporters as one of African football’s oldest World Cup records finally came to an end.
Despite boasting one of Africa’s biggest stars in Salah, Egypt arrived at the tournament with a squad dominated by players from the Egyptian Premier League.
Multiple African champions Al Ahly supplied the largest contingent, with key figures including goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, defender Mohamed Hany, midfielder Marwan Attia and forward Hussein El Shahat all featuring prominently.
Rivals Zamalek were also strongly represented, while players from Pyramids FC, Ceramica Cleopatra and National Bank of Egypt SC formed the backbone of Hossam Hassan’s squad.
Their cohesion and familiarity have become one of Egypt’s greatest strengths, and against New Zealand that unity was evident as the Pharaohs recovered from going behind to produce one of the country’s greatest footballing moments.
Having drawn 1-1 with Belgium in their opening match, the victory moves Egypt onto four points in Group G and puts qualification for the knockout stages firmly within their grasp ahead of their final group encounter against Iran.
For a nation that opened the door for African football at the World Cup in 1934, this was more than just a victory.It was history.
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