Africa-Press – Mauritius. Egypt maintained their march towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in a Group A qualifier at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday night.
The Pharaohs extended their five-point lead at the top of the standings with three matches remaining, meaning a win away against Burkina Faso on September 9 will seal their place in the finals to be hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Salah and Marmoush on Target
Egypt dominated from the start and broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Mohamed Salah converted a penalty after Mahmoud Trezeguet was brought down in the box. It was Salah’s 61st international goal.
Just before halftime, Ethiopia conceded another penalty after a handball inside the area, and Omar Marmoush made no mistake from the spot to double the lead for the seven-time African champions.
Second-Half Action
The Pharaohs continued pressing after the restart, with Trezeguet missing a golden chance to add a third in the 58th minute. Ethiopia, however, grew into the game late on and nearly scored through Chernet Gugsa in the 84th minute, but goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy produced a stunning save to preserve Egypt’s clean sheet.
What’s Next
Egypt now sit firmly on top of Group A, edging closer to another World Cup appearance. Ethiopia, placed fifth with six points, face a near-impossible task to qualify but will hope to bounce back when they meet Sierra Leone on September 9.
Full-Time Result: Egypt 2–0 Ethiopia
Scorers: Salah (41’), Marmoush (45’+2)
Egypt XI: El-Shenawy, Hany, Rabia, Hamdi, Sobhi, Zizo (Adel 63’), Fathy, Trezeguet (M. Mohamed 79’), Faisal (Saber 79’), Marmoush (Lasheen 63’), Salah (Dunga 88’).
Ethiopia XI: Nura, Tekeste (Sherefa 46’), James, Baye, Kassaye, Belay, Markneh, Tonjo (Reshid 73’), Hamid (Gugsa 73’), Desta (Abera 82’), Gezahegn (Wolde 82’).
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