Mohamed Salah starred with a goal and an assist as Egypt fought back to beat New Zealand 3-1, securing their first-ever World Cup victory.
Egypt ignited a party atmosphere at Vancouver’s BC Place, staging a thrilling second-half comeback to sink New Zealand 3-1 and secure a truly historic first-ever World Cup triumph. The victory propels the Pharaohs to the summit of Group G, significantly boosting their aspirations of reaching the knockout rounds.
The heavily favored African giants were initially stunned when lax defending allowed All Whites center-back Finn Surman to head home the opener from a corner, temporarily silencing the passionate sea of red in the stands.
However, Egypt’s star-studded attack completely turned the tide after the break. Mostafa Zizo ignited the fightback by nodding home a clinical equalizer close to the hour mark.
Captain Mohamed Salah then took center stage, exchanging a brilliant one-two with Zizo before curling a trademark left-footed strike into the net. Trezeguet soon sealed the historic points, powering home a third from a pinpoint Salah corner.
The result leaves Egypt on four points, while New Zealand slip to the bottom.