Mohamed Salah produced a brilliant match-winning performance as Egypt overturned a first-half deficit to defeat New Zealand 3-1, securing their first-ever World Cup victory and climbing to the top of Group G in style.
Egypt endured a slow start and trailed at halftime after Finn Surman capitalized on a corner to put New Zealand ahead with a well-placed header, exposing early defensive lapses from the African side.
However, the second half saw a completely transformed Egyptian team, driven by intensity, precision, and the leadership of their talismanic forward.
Mostafa Zico brought Egypt level in the 58th minute, heading home a precise cross from Mohamed Hany to spark the comeback.
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Just minutes later, Mohamed Salah turned the match on its head with a moment of individual brilliance, surging down the right flank, linking up quickly in the final third, and finishing calmly into the far corner to give Egypt the lead.
Salah continued to dictate the tempo, nearly adding another goal with a deflected strike that narrowly missed the target, before delivering a decisive corner that was converted by substitute Mahmoud Trezeguet, who headed in Egypt’s third to seal the contest.
New Zealand attempted to respond but struggled to regain control as Egypt tightened their defensive structure and managed the game efficiently in the closing stages.
The match was briefly halted by concern for Hossam Abdelmaguid, who was forced off after suffering a suspected concussion.
At full-time, celebrations erupted as Egypt secured a landmark World Cup win, with head coach Hossam Hassan leading a proud lap of honor while waving the national flag, marking a historic milestone for Egyptian football.
