Egypt’s national team inched closer to securing a World Cup berth with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sierra Leone on Tuesday, thanks to a crucial goal from Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed in first-half stoppage time.
Zizo Delivers When It Matters
When Egypt needed a breakthrough, Zizo stepped up. The forward pounced on a loose ball in the box, slotting it past the goalkeeper to give his side a narrow but vital lead right before the halftime whistle. It wasn’t the prettiest goal, but it was exactly what Hossam Hassan’s side needed.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Sierra Leone had frustrated Egypt throughout the first half with disciplined defending and quick counterattacks. Zizo’s goal shifted the momentum, allowing Egypt to control the pace in the second half.
Hassan’s strategy paid off, leaning on his attacking players to keep Sierra Leone’s defense pinned back. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush kept probing, but the decisive moment belonged to Zizo.
Missed Chances Keep Scoreline Tight
Egypt dominated possession, but their finishing let them down. Salah, typically clinical in front of goal, uncharacteristically missed an early opportunity. Marmoush, who has been in fine form for Manchester City, came close as well, but his effort from the edge of the box drifted wide.
The pattern continued after the break. Midfielder Marwan Ateya rattled the post with a long-range strike that had the goalkeeper beaten. Marmoush, finding himself in space inside the box, chose to pass rather than shoot — a decision that left fans and teammates visibly frustrated.
Sierra Leone, meanwhile, struggled to create meaningful chances. Their best moment came from a set piece late in the game, but Egypt’s defense held firm.
Group A Standings: Egypt Pulls Away
Egypt’s latest win pushes them to 16 points, five clear of Burkina Faso in second place. With only two games remaining, they’re in a commanding position to secure automatic qualification.
Here’s how Group A looks after Tuesday’s matches:
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 16 |
| Burkina Faso | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 |
| Sierra Leone | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| Ethiopia | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Djibouti | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
For Egypt, the math is simple: one more win will all but guarantee their spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Hossam Hassan’s Impact: A Winning Formula
Hassan’s appointment as head coach raised eyebrows, but his results speak for themselves. Egypt remains unbeaten in the group stage, with a balanced approach blending attacking flair and defensive solidity.
His tactical flexibility has been key. Against Sierra Leone, he pushed his fullbacks higher up the pitch to stretch the opposition’s defense. This allowed Salah and Marmoush more freedom to drift inside, creating space for Zizo to exploit.
The squad’s depth is also worth noting. Injuries to key players earlier in the campaign could have derailed their progress, but Hassan has rotated smartly, ensuring the team stays fresh and competitive.
