KUCHING: Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to a historic 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand on Sunday at the BC Place Vancouver, Canada as the Pharaohs ended a 92-year wait for their first-ever FIFA World Cup win.
The result marked a major milestone for Egypt, who had gone eight World Cup matches without tasting victory since making their tournament debut in 1934.
It did not look like Egypt’s day early on.
New Zealand, the tournament’s lowest-ranked side at 85th in the world, stunned the Africans in the 15th minute when defender Finn Surman rose highest to power home Tim Payne’s corner and give the Kiwis a surprise lead.
The Oceania side carried that advantage into half-time and looked on course to build on their opening draw against Iran.
But Egypt emerged a different side after the break.
Their pressure finally told in the 59th minute when Mostafa Zico met Mohamed Hany’s pinpoint cross with a thumping header that left goalkeeper Max Crocombe with little chance.
The equaliser sparked Egypt into life and the turnaround was complete eight minutes later.
After combining neatly with Mostafa Zico, Salah bent a superb left-footed finish beyond Crocombe to put the Pharaohs ahead for the first time in the contest.
The Egyptian King’s goal continued his outstanding World Cup form, extending his direct goal contributions to four consecutive matches.
Egypt then put the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute.
Salah delivered a dangerous corner to the near post where substitute Trezeguet escaped his marker and flashed a header inside the upright to seal victory.
Having trailed for much of the match, Egypt produced three goals in 24 second-half minutes to secure a landmark win that keeps their Round of 32 hopes firmly alive.
For New Zealand, the defeat was a painful setback after another spirited display, although the Kiwis remain firmly in contention heading into their final Group G fixture.
The Pharaohs, meanwhile, will take renewed confidence into the decisive final round of matches after finally breaking their World Cup duck in dramatic fashion.
