Egypt moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 away victory over Ethiopia on Thursday evening.
With Ethiopia unable to host on home soil, the match was played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
Egypt XI: Mohamed El Shennawy – Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Abdelmonem – Hamdi Fathy, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Marwan Attia – Omar Marmoush, Osama Faisal, Mohamed Salah.
The Pharaohs dominated the opening exchanges and were rewarded in the 31st minute when Hamdy Fathy found Salah with a through ball. The Liverpool star kept his composure to slot home the opener.
Minutes later, Salah returned the favor by assisting Zizo, who finished clinically at the near post to double Egypt’s lead.
Despite a few chances in the second half, including efforts from Trezeguet and Osama Faisal, Egypt were unable to extend their lead. Mohamed Salah saw a late goal ruled out for offside, and the woodwork denied Trezeguet from adding a third.
Hossam Hassan made full use of his bench, introducing Mostafa Mohamed, Mohamed Shehata, Mostafa Fathy, Ahmed Nabil Kouka and Khaled Sobhy.
The win takes Egypt to 13 points at the top of Group A, five points clear of Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone after five rounds. A victory against Sierra Leone would bring Egypt even closer to sealing their fourth-ever World Cup appearance.
Under Hossam Hassan, Egypt have now won 7 of 11 matches, losing just once. They’ve also kept six clean sheets during his tenure.
Next up: Egypt vs Sierra Leone on Tuesday, March 25th, at Cairo International Stadium.
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