The Egyptian national team have defeated New Zealand 1-0 in Hossam Hassan’s first game in charge of the Pharaohs on Friday.
The Winsunited Cup kicked off in the New Administrative Capital as the tournament featured New Zealand, Tunisia, and Croatia.
Despite having to do without Mo Salah, Hossam Hassan named a strong lineup against New Zealand in their opening game led by Mostafa Mohamed and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush.
The opening stages saw both sides fail to create any real threat on goal until Egypt found the breakthrough from a quick move after 23 minutes.
Emam Ashour made a sensational run from the halfway line and combined with Mahmoud Trezeguet and Mostafa Mohamed before he was fouled inside the box, giving the referee no choice but to award the hosts a penalty following a five-minute VAR review.
Nantes’ talisman Mostafa Mohamed stepped up to take the spot-kick and converter with authority to fire Egypt into the lead.
The chances kept coming for Egypt as Mahmoud Trezeguet nearly doubled their advantage at the stroke of half-time but his strike went inches wide.
In the second half, Marwan Ateya was denied a potential goal of the season contender as his long-range shot rattled the bar before the ball was cleared away from danger.
The victory meant that Egypt will now face the winner between Croatia and Tunisia in the final of the Winsunited Cup.