Vancouver: Mohamed Salah’s second-half strike helped Egypt come from behind to defeat New Zealand 3-1 at BC Place, giving the Pharaohs their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory since their debut 92 years ago.
New Zealand took a surprise lead in the 15th minute when Finn Surman powered home a header from a corner. That marked the first time Egypt trailed at half-time in a World Cup match. Egypt pressed for an equaliser before the break, with Salah and Emam Ashour both testing goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
Early in the second half, Crocombe denied Salah, and New Zealand nearly extended their advantage when Callum McCowatt’s flicked header was superbly saved by Egypt keeper Mostafa Shobeir. Egypt levelled in the 58th minute through Zico, who nodded home from close range.
Salah put the visitors ahead nine minutes later, calmly slotting a low finish after a well-worked team move. Trezeguet sealed the victory with a late goal, making it 3-1.
Salah’s goal carried personal milestones: he became the first Egyptian to score at two separate World Cups and, at 34 years and six days, Egypt’s oldest World Cup goalscorer, surpassing Magdy Abdelghany (30 years, 320 days in 1990). With Iran and Belgium drawing earlier, Egypt enter their final Group G match two points clear at the top.
(Inputs from IANS)