Egypt move within touching distance of the 2026 World Cup after a victory over Ethiopia at Cairo International Stadium.
The Egyptian national team cruised past Ethiopia yet again in a 2-0 win, with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both converting first-half penalties to secure the points.
The win keeps the Egypt firmly on top of Group A with 19 points, five clear of second placed Burkina Faso. A draw in the upcoming match between the two teams will be enough to guarantee Pharaohs’ direct qualification to next year’s tournament.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, remain in fifth place on six points, above last placed Djibouti.
Backed by nearly 30,000 supporters, Egypt dominated from the opening whistle. Omar Marmoush tested Ethiopian keeper Abubeker Nura early on after being slipped through by Mahmoud Trezeguet, before Salah and Osama Faisal also saw efforts denied.
Trezeguet, who caused constant trouble for Ethiopia down the left, was twice denied by the woodwork and Nura’s efforts.
The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute when Trezeguet was brought down in the box. Salah stepped up to put Egypt ahead.
Just before the interval, a handball gifted Egypt a second spot kick, which Marmoush buried confidently to double the advantage.
The second half proved quieter as Egypt lost some of their rhythm, allowing Ethiopia periods of possession without creating clear chances. Salah volleyed over from close range, Zizo forced another fine save from Nura, and substitute Ibrahim Adel added pace but without much end product.
Ethiopia nearly pulled one back in the final stages, only for Mohamed El-Shenawy to make a crucial stop from point-blank range.
Despite the calmer second period, the Pharaohs’ first-half dominance was enough to secure all three points.
Egypt will now shift focus to their decisive trip to Burkina Faso, with hopes to seal their long-awaited World Cup return on September 9th.