Salah shines as Egypt extend lead in World Cup qualifying round
Mohamed Salah found the net as Egypt secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Ethiopia in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday.
Zizo added a second goal, giving the Pharaohs a commanding five-point lead at the halfway stage of Group A.
Mohamed Salah found the net as Egypt strengthened their position at the top of Group A in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Pharaohs picked a 2-0 win over Ethiopia on Friday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca due to Ethiopia’s inability to host on home soil.
Captain Mohamed Salah deliver a standout performance, scoring the opening goal and assisting the second.
Salah broke the deadlock in the first half, capitalizing on a swift counterattack to fire Egypt ahead.
Just ten minutes later, the Liverpool star turned provider, setting up teammate Zizo for a clinical finish that doubled Egypt’s lead.
The Pharaohs dominated possession and created several chances throughout the game, though they were unable to add to their tally in the second half.
Trezeguet struck the woodwork, and a late Salah goal was ruled out for offside.
Under head coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt maintained their composure defensively, securing a sixth clean sheet in 11 matches since his appointment.
Hassan made full use of his squad, bringing on substitutes Mostafa Mohamed, Mohamed Shehata, Mostafa Fathy, Ahmed Nabil Kouka, and Khaled Sobhy to see out the victory.
The win moves Egypt to 13 points after five rounds, five points clear of Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone in Group A.
With only the group winner guaranteed a spot at the finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Egypt are now in a commanding position at the halfway mark of the qualification campaign.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, remain winless in their last eight World Cup qualifiers, stuck on three points and facing an uphill battle to keep their hopes alive.
Egypt’s next challenge comes on Tuesday, March 25, when they host Sierra Leone at Cairo International Stadium.
A victory could bring them within touching distance of their fourth World Cup appearance.