WCQ: Saliou Ciss Gifts Egypt The Lead Ahead Of Second Leg

Egypt has taken a slight edge for World Cup qualification, in the remake of the last AFCON final against Senegal. On Friday evening, the Pharaohs beat Senegal (1-0), in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup.

At Cairo International Stadium, Carlos Queiroz’s men quickly made the difference against the African champions, with a goal from Saliou Ciss against his side at the 4th minute, before the Teranga Lions could even get stable.

A month and a half after their clash in the final of the last AFCON, Egypt and Senegal met for another crunch fixture.

This duel that pit Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, saw Salah emerging victorious, at least, this time.

And it was the Egyptians who started the meeting perfectly well a month. After an opening on the channels, the current Premier League top scorer – Mohammed Salah, present in the penalty area, was able to turn before striking with his left foot. His attempt was deflected by Edouard Mendy on to his crossbar, before the ball then bounced off the right thigh of Saliou Ciss, as he scored an unfortunate own goal against his side at the 4th minute.

Neither Mostafa Mohamed’s header (24th) nor Trezeguet’s 77th minute shot could bamboozled Mendy.

On the opposite end, Aliou Cissé’s men created dangerous moments after the break.

Sadio Mané began his work, on the left side, when he often found himself facing two or even three players. From the start of the second half, Mane forced Mohamed El Shenawy to intervene with a header at the 49th minute.

In the last quarter, Ismaila Sarr (79th) and Bamba Dieng (90th) also called on the opposing goalkeeper (El Shenawy), who answered present.

In search of a third participation in a World Cup after their quarter-final in 2002 and having ended in the first round of the last edition, Senegal will have to ensure at home, in two days time, a convincing victory to make Qatar 2022.

Egypt, who made the round of 16 in 1934, and the first riund 1990, plus, the last edition in Russia, will just need to hold on for 90 more minutes in Senegal, to confirm their victory.

Both selections will meet next Tuesday (7 p.m.), for the return game, which will gift the winner of the rumble a ticket to Qatar. One thing is certain. The next World Cup will be played without the African champions or the African vice-champion.