Egypt saw their dreams of a historic first FIFA World Cup victory slip away in heartbreaking fashion, as a late own goal by Mohamed Hany meant the Pharaohs had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Belgium in their Group G opener at Lumen Field Stadium on Monday night.
The North Africans dazzled with an impressive display and seemed destined for a memorable win, only for misfortune to strike midway through the second half.
Belgium started brightly and nearly carved out an early breakthrough in the 10th minute when Charles De Ketelaere threaded a pass into the path of Leandro Trossard. However, Egypt’s defense reacted swiftly to clear the danger.
As the game settled, Egypt grew into the contest and began threatening on the counterattack. Ahmed Fatouh delivered a dangerous cross towards Omar Marmoush in the 15th minute, but Thibaut Courtois was alert enough to gather comfortably.
The breakthrough arrived four minutes later through a moment of brilliance from Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool forward slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Emam Ashour, who controlled expertly before firing a powerful effort into the bottom corner to give Egypt a deserved lead.
Energized by their opener, the Pharaohs surged forward and almost doubled their lead in the 33rd minute. Mostafa Ziko unleashed a thunderous strike from distance, only for Courtois to pull off a spectacular save and tip the ball behind for a corner.
Egypt carried their momentum into the second half and came close again shortly after the restart. Ziko saw an effort blocked inside the penalty area before Marmoush pounced on the loose ball, only for a Belgian defender to make a crucial intervention.
Belgium responded with increased urgency and nearly found an equalizer in spectacular fashion when Kevin De Bruyne’s curling free-kick struck the post in the 53rd minute.
Moments later, Egypt let a golden chance slip through their fingers. Salah soared to meet a cross, but Courtois denied him with another crucial save. The rebound landed perfectly for Ashour, yet he fired agonizingly wide from close range.
Belgium’s persistence eventually paid off in the 66th minute under unfortunate circumstances for Egypt. Following sustained pressure, a dangerous attack ended with Mohamed Hany inadvertently turning the ball into his own net while attempting to deal with a threatening delivery under pressure from substitute Romelu Lukaku.
The own goal dragged Belgium level and ultimately sealed the result, as both teams battled in vain for a late winner during the tense closing stages.
Despite the sting of conceding a late equalizer, Egypt can draw real encouragement from its spirited display against one of Europe’s giants. Yet, the result will linger as a missed opportunity, with a landmark World Cup victory just out of reach.
The Pharaohs will now shift their focus to their second Group G fixture against New Zealand on June 22 as they continue their quest for a place in the knockout stages.
