Egypt were denied a first victory in their World Cup history on Monday after a Mohamed Hany own goal allowed Belgium to equalise in a 1-1 draw in Group G, played in North America.
Imam Ashour put Egypt ahead in the 20th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box, assisted by Mohamed Salah, who celebrated his 34th birthday during the match. Egypt came close to extending the lead on several occasions, with Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Ziko both threatening but unable to convert.
Belgium grew into the match in the second half. Kevin De Bruyne hit the post with a free kick in the 53rd minute before the equaliser arrived in the 66th, seconds after Romelu Lukaku came on as a substitute. A cross from Thomas Meunier was turned into his own net by Hany under pressure from Lukaku, leaving goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir helpless.
Shobeir had been one of Egypt’s standout performers, producing a string of saves throughout the game to preserve what ultimately became a hard-earned point.
Ashour became only the fourth player to score for Egypt at a World Cup finals, following Abdel Rahman Fawzi, Magdi Abdel Ghani, and Salah. The match was Egypt’s fourth appearance at the tournament.
When Salah was substituted in the 76th minute, Hamza Abdel Karim came on to replace him, becoming the youngest player to represent Egypt and the Arab world at a World Cup at 18 years and 165 days.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan said after the game: “I insisted on playing against top nations before the World Cup. Today Belgium are among the five, six, seven best teams in the world with the best players. We were the ones who scored first and they equalised. I think we were closer to winning.”
Abdel Karim was measured in his post-match assessment. “The match was good for the whole team, and all the players came out wanting the three points. We got one in the end, but we gave everything we had. We have to thank the fans who came and supported us. The atmosphere was truly incredible, and now we focus on the next match.”
