logo
Wasteful Egypt narrowly beat Sierra Leone to edge closer to World Cup finals - National Teams

Wasteful Egypt narrowly beat Sierra Leone to edge closer to World Cup finals - National Teams

Al-Ahram Weekly25-03-2025

Egypt's national team secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone in the sixth round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup at Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday, and move five points clear at the top.
Winger Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed scored the sole goal in added time of the first half.
With this result, the Pharaohs maintain a firm hold on the top spot in Group A with 16 points from six matches, keeping a five-point lead over second-placed Burkina Faso, while Sierra Leone remain in third place with 8 points.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan opted for a 4-3-3 formation instead of the 3-4-3 used against Ethiopia just four days prior, making two changes to his lineup, which included Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed and Ahly defender Ahmed 'Koka' Nabil.
From the kickoff, Egypt besieged Sierra Leone in their defensive half, yet the front line struggled to convert their dominance into clear chances against the visitors' well-organized defense.
The Pharaohs' first significant opportunity arrived in the 16th minute when captain Mohamed Salah received a pass near the area, but his left-footed strike went just over the crossbar.
Six minutes later, Al-Rayyan forward Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan received a precise through ball on the left flank and cut into the area, only to see his effort blocked by goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay.
Despite continuous pressure from Hossam Hassan's side, Sierra Leone's robust defense limited clear scoring opportunities.
In the 32nd minute, a well-executed one-two between Salah and Manchester City's Omar Marmoush set the latter up on the left side of the area, but his right-footed shot sailed over the bar.
Just before halftime, Salah sent a brilliant pass to Trezeguet, who found himself in a one-on-one situation with Sesay but the Al-Rayyan forward failed to control the ball, which was easily collected by the keeper.
As the game progressed, Egypt's attacking intensity waned slightly, even as they maintained control.
However, Zizo finally broke the deadlock in the second minute of added time, connecting with Trezeguet's precise pass to slot the ball home with his left foot, marking his fourth international goal in 46 appearances and giving Egypt the lead just before halftime.
Wasted opportunities
The second half began unchanged, with Egypt continuing to pressure in search for a second goal, while Sierra Leone focused on their solid defense and swift counterattacks.
Just two minutes after the break, midfielder Marwan Attia struck the woodwork with a powerful right-footed shot from outside the area.
Salah came close to doubling the score in the 54th minute when Marmoush, making a deep run into the left side of the box, delivered a cross back to him, but Salah's left-footed shot went wide of the visitors' left post.
In the 66th minute, a shot from a Sierra Leone striker struck second-half substitute defender Hamdy Fathy on the arm; however, the referee did not deem it a penalty, and the decision stood.
A minute later, Zizo made a fast break into the box, but his cross to Marmoush went awry.
As the match drew to a close, both teams exchanged opportunities, but ultimately failed to find the back of the net, ending the game in a 1-0 victory for Egypt.
Next up for Egypt is a matchup against fourth-placed Ethiopia in the next round of World Cup qualifiers in September.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Follow us on:
Facebook
Instagram
Whatsapp
Short link:

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Australian Referee Crew to Officiate Al Ahly vs Inter Miami in Club World Cup Opener
Australian Referee Crew to Officiate Al Ahly vs Inter Miami in Club World Cup Opener

See - Sada Elbalad

time3 hours ago

  • See - Sada Elbalad

Australian Referee Crew to Officiate Al Ahly vs Inter Miami in Club World Cup Opener

H-Tayea FIFA has announced the referee team for the highly anticipated opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Al Ahly SC and Inter Miami CF, scheduled to take place at 3:00 AM Cairo time on June 15 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. An Australian officiating crew will take charge of the match, with Alireza Faghani appointed as the main referee. He will be assisted by Anton Shchetinin and Ashley Beecham, with Szymon Marciniak also part of the officiating team. Ahead of the tournament's kickoff, Al Ahly players signed a number of team jerseys to be handed over to FIFA officials, as per the federation's request. The Egyptian champions are preparing to take part in the expanded Club World Cup, which for the first time will feature 32 clubs from around the world. Al Ahly enters the global tournament with high hopes and strong backing from its fanbase, eager for the team to deliver strong performances and positive results on the world stage. The Cairo-based club will begin its campaign against Inter Miami, led by Argentine legend Lionel Messi, in the opening match. Following that, Al Ahly will face Palmeiras of Brazil on June 19, and conclude the group stage with a clash against FC Porto of Portugal on June 23. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand

Australian crew to officiate Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match in Club World Cup
Australian crew to officiate Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match in Club World Cup

See - Sada Elbalad

time8 hours ago

  • See - Sada Elbalad

Australian crew to officiate Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match in Club World Cup

Amir Hagag FIFA has announced the refereeing crew for the Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match in the opening match of the 2025 Club World Cup, scheduled for 3:00 AM Cairo time on June 15 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The Australian refereeing crew is as follows: Australian Alireza Faghani will be the referee, assisted by Anton Shchetinin, Ashley Beecham, and Szymon Marciniak. Australian crew to officiate Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match in Club World Cup Australian crew to officiate Al Ahly vs. Inter Miami match in Club World Cup read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand

Sundowns ready for redemption on club World Cup return
Sundowns ready for redemption on club World Cup return

CAF

time11 hours ago

  • CAF

Sundowns ready for redemption on club World Cup return

· Tactical evolution under Cardoso gives Sundowns a fighting chance · Ronwen Williams: reigning CAF Goalkeeper of the Year anchors defence · Ribeiro Costa and Zwane: A sparkling partnership lighting up the attack Mamelodi Sundowns are set to make a long-awaited return to the FIFA Club World Cup, nearly a decade after their last appearance on the global stage. The South African champions, widely regarded as one of the most stylish and consistent clubs on the African continent, come into the tournament with renewed ambition and a far more formidable squad than in previous years. Their qualification follows a string of dominant seasons in domestic and continental football, earning them the distinction of being CAF's second-best ranked team over the past four years. The draw, however, has presented a stern test for the Brazilians. Grouped alongside German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, reigning Brazilian champions Fluminense, and a disciplined Ulsan Hyundai from South Korea, the path to progression is anything but straightforward. Still, the beauty of competition football lies in its unpredictability — a factor that Sundowns will be eager to use to their advantage. Head coach Miguel Cardoso, who took over the reins in December 2024, has already stamped his tactical authority on the squad. Under his guidance, Sundowns have adopted a dynamic and fluid 4-2-3-1 formation that emphasizes possession-based football with vertical penetration. This setup has proven ideal for unleashing the attacking talents of Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Iqraam Rayners, who have combined for 30 goals and 18 assists this season. The return of midfield maestro, Themba Zwane will be another source of creativity for the former African champions who are looking at making a name for themselves on the global stage. At the back, reigning CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, Ronwen Williams continues to provide stability and leadership, adding a vital layer of experience in high-pressure scenarios. The key to Sundowns' success lies in their opening match against Ulsan Hyundai. A win there would significantly boost their chances of advancing and could inject the confidence needed to challenge the more established powerhouses of Europe and South America. Moreover, Cardoso's side may benefit from the relative unfamiliarity their style and players pose to opponents who rarely encounter African club football. Sundowns' last appearance at the Club World Cup in 2016 ended in disappointment, failing to advance beyond the early stages. This time, with tactical maturity, attacking firepower, and a clearer identity, the South African champions are determined to rewrite their international story — and perhaps even make history. Mamelodi Sundowns FC FIFA Club World Cup Fixtures: Wednesday, 18 June: Ulsan vs Mamelodi Sundowns | 22h00 GMT Saturday, 21 June: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund | 16h00 GMT Wednesday, 25 June: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Fluminense | 19h00 GMT

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store