Egypt seal AFCON qualification with narrow win over Mauritania

Egypt booked their place in the 2024 AFCON with a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in the fourth round of the qualifiers.

The Pharaohs entered the game having already secured nine points from their first three matches, needing only one more point to officially confirm their qualification. Mauritania, on the other hand, were hoping to come out with at least a draw to boost their chances of advancing.

Hossam Hassan chose to go with a three-man defense while Mahmoud Trezeguet started on the bench. Egypt’s starting lineup included Ahmed Eid and Osama Faisal, while Omar Marmoush continued to feature up front.

Egypt XI: Mohamed El-Shennawy; Ahmed Eid, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Mohamed Hamdy, Khaled Sobhi (Hamdi Fathi 65′); Hamdi Fathi, Mahmoud Saber (Mohamed Shehata 83′), Marwan Attia; Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed (Mahmoud Trezeguet 61′), Osama Faisal (Ibrahim Adel 83′), Omar Marmoush (Ahmed Nabil “Koka” 83′)

Egypt struggled to break down Mauritania’s defense in the first half, with not much output coming from either teams.

The second half started with quicker momentum, Omar Marmoush came close to opening the scoring in the 53rd minute, only for his shot to be blocked.

Mauritania picked their performance up during the second 45′, maintaining pressure and tested Egypt’s defense. Mohamed El-Shennawy was called into action several times, producing a key save in the 56th minute to deny Aboubakary Koïta from close range.

Hossam Hassan made key changes in the second half, bringing on Trezeguet in the 61st minute to add more experience upfront as the attack struggled to break the deadlock. Hamdi Fathi replaced Khaled Sobhi in the 65th as Egypt gradually increased the pressure.

With the game still goalless heading into the final 10 minutes, in the 83rd Ibrahim Adel was introduced off the bench alongside Mohamed Shehata and Ahmed Nabil “Koka”, coming in for Osama Faisal, Mahmoud Saber and Omar Marmoush respectively

Ibrahim Adel made an immediate impact, scoring the decisive goal in the 85th minute. A brilliant cross from Trezeguet found Adel, who struck a shot from more than 35 yards into the goal, leaving the Mauritania goalkeeper helpless.

Egypt managed to hold on despite Mauritania’s late attempts to equalize, with the defense holding out until the final whistle.

The win not only secured Egypt’s place in the 2025 AFCON but also extended their perfect run in the qualifiers to four straight victories, a new record for the national team. Egypt now sits comfortably atop the group with 12 points, while Mauritania remains at the bottom with three points.

With this result, Egypt will head to the 2025 tournament in Morocco, hoping to continue their momentum and build on their qualification campaign success.