In a gripping World Cup qualifying match held on March 25, 2025, Egypt triumphed 1-0 over Sierra Leone at Cairo International Stadium, maintaining their undefeated status in the African qualifiers.
Ahmed "Zizo" Sayed was the hero for Egypt, scoring the sole goal just before halftime. This victory elevates Egypt to 16 points after six matches, five points clear of second-place Burkina Faso, cementing their position at the top of Group A.
The atmosphere in Cairo was electric as Egyptian fans rallied behind their team from the outset. Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool star, showcased early danger but faced a resolute performance from Sierra Leone's goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay, who managed to thwart Salah's initial attempts at goal.
Sierra Leone, currently sitting third in the group with eight points, aimed to create opportunities as well. Towards the end of the first half, they gained some momentum, with Kei Kamara testing Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy with a solid shot.
The breakthrough came in the 47th minute. Following a well-orchestrated team move, Zizo found himself in prime scoring position, calmly slotting the ball past Sesay to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
In the second half, Egypt looked to extend their lead and dominated possession, yet they struggled to turn chances into goals. Salah squandered a clear opportunity when he failed to connect with a promising pass from Omar Marmoush, missing the target as the frustration grew among the home supporters.
Following this, Sierra Leone's appeal for a handball in the 64th minute went unheeded as the referee waved play on, emphasizing the tough luck they endured throughout the match. Egypt continued to push for a second goal, with Salah paired with Marmoush creating multiple threats but failing to find the back of the net.
Despite a critical lack of attacking firepower during the final stretch of the match, Sierra Leone fought hard, yet the minutes ticking away seemed to amplify Egypt's nerves. The Pharaohs held tight to their slim lead, showcasing their resilience until the final whistle.
After the match, Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan expressed appreciation for his players, acknowledging that while they secured the victory, there were many chances missed that could have secured a more comfortable win.
"We are top of the group, unlike the surprises that are happening in African football (in other groups). I thank the players," Hassan reflected during a press conference, highlighting the confidence in their ability to navigate these qualifiers.
As the qualifying rounds progress, Egypt seeks to solidify their spot for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. They will next host Ethiopia before a key face-off against Burkina Faso in September. Further matches against Djibouti and Guinea-Bissau follow in October.
Sierra Leone, despite their loss, has not diminished in spirit. The team remains determined to fight until the last whistle as they plot their course through the remainder of the qualifiers.
This match has recently highlighted Egypt's prowess and potential as they aim for a strong World Cup showing, with committed players like Salah and Zizo at the forefront of their campaign. With resilience and determination, the Pharaohs continue their journey toward the finals, leaving fans hopeful of what’s to come.
