Salah leads Egypt to first World Cup win in 92 years

Darwin, 22 June : Mohamed Salah continues to collect achievements in European club football, but with the Egyptian national team he had two major frustrations. One of them still remains—the inability to win the Africa Cup of Nations as captain. The other has finally been erased: Egypt have recorded their first-ever World Cup victory, led by Salah.

At BC Place in Vancouver, Egypt defeated New Zealand 3–1 in a Group G match. Salah and Mostafa Zico played key roles in the win, with one goal and one assist each. Until being substituted in the 83rd minute, Salah remained the driving force of Egypt’s attack, registering five shots—the highest in the match—touching the ball 13 times in the opposition box, and creating five chances.

Before this tournament, Egypt had participated in the 1934, 1990, and 2018 World Cups, playing seven matches across those editions without a win. Even in this tournament, they failed to win their opening group game against Belgium. After a 92-year wait, Egypt finally celebrated a World Cup victory in their ninth attempt.

The match did not start well for Egypt. In the 15th minute, Fin Searman put New Zealand ahead with a header from a Tim Payne corner. Despite falling behind, Egypt continued to attack. Late in the first half, both Imam Ashour and Salah had chances but could not equalize.

The second half told a different story. In the 58th minute, Mostafa Zico leveled the score with a header from a cross by Mohamed Hany. Egypt grew in confidence after the equalizer, and just nine minutes later Salah put them ahead. He combined in a quick counterattack with Zico, played a one-two pass into the box, and finished with a powerful left-footed strike into the net. It was Salah’s third World Cup goal, making him Egypt’s all-time top scorer in World Cup history, surpassing Abdel Fawzi’s two goals.

In the 82nd minute, substitute Trézéguet sealed the victory with a brilliant header from a Salah corner. In stoppage time, Zizo missed a chance for a fourth goal, but it did not dampen Egypt’s celebrations.

After a 1–1 draw with Belgium in their opening match, Egypt now top Group G with four points from two games. New Zealand, who drew 2–2 with Iran in their first match, sit at the bottom with one point. With their first World Cup win secured, Egypt—led by Salah—have also taken a major step toward qualification for the knockout stage.