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Egypt claimed their first-ever World Cup victory on Sunday, fighting back from an early New Zealand goal to win 3-1 at BC Place in Vancouver and move to the top of Group G.
The result gave the Pharaohs, Egypt’s national team, four points from two matches after their opening 1-1 draw with Belgium.
New Zealand, known internationally as the All Whites, remained on one point after previously drawing 2-2 with Iran.
Egypt came into the match with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush leading the attack, while a large Egyptian crowd backed the team from the stands.
New Zealand, however, broke through first after Egypt failed to deal with a corner. In the 15th minute, defender Finn Surman rose above the Egyptian back line and headed in Tim Payne’s delivery to put the All Whites ahead.
Egypt pushed for a response but had to wait until the second half to pull level. Mostafa Ziko made it 1-1 in the 58th minute, meeting Mohamed Hany’s cross with a controlled header.
The equalizer shifted the momentum, and Egypt soon completed the turnaround. Ziko linked up with Salah in a quick one-two move before Salah cut inside and drove a left-footed shot past the New Zealand goalkeeper.
Egypt wrapped up the win through Trezeguet, who headed in Salah’s outswinging corner to give the Pharaohs breathing room and spark celebrations among their supporters.
The victory strengthened Egypt’s push for a place in the knockout stage, while New Zealand slipped to the bottom of Group G with one point.
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