Egypt pip Zambia 1-0 in UAE friendly

Hamdy Fathy powered an injury-time header to give Egypt 1-0 win over Zambia in the preparatory camp in the United Arab Emirates, where they are gearing up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Pharaohs recovered from their last defeat against North African rivals Tunisia 2-1 in September that marked the only defeat of coach Rui Vitorio’s in his 14-month tenure at the helms of the Pharaohs.

Egypt started the match with great intensity, as Fathy came close to finding the net within just three minutes, unleashing a strike from outside the box that was blocked by Zambia’s goalkeeper.

Zambia had their their sight of goal after 20 minutes when striker Fashion Sakala evaded defender Mohamed Hany inside the penalty area, but his close-range shot was saved by keeper Mohamed El-Shennawy.

The Pharaohs continued to apply pressure, with Mahmoud Trezeguet, Mostafa Mohamed, and Ahmed Fatouh all squandering clear-cut chances to score.

In the second half, Vitoria made brought in some fresh legs to pile more pressure on their rivals.

Mohamed Elneny, Tarek Hamed, Omar Marmoush and Fattouh made way for Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed, Mohamed Hamdi, Mahmoud Trezeguet and Marwan Attia.

Zambia had rare scoring opportunities in the second half, but Kangwa’s free kick went unanswered in front of El-Shennawy’s goal, with no teammate present to convert it.

The Pharaohs intensified their attacks in the final minutes until Hamdy earned them a well deserved victory in the 90+4th minute/

Egypt’s next friendly within the UAE camp is scheduled against Algeria on Monday.

Egypt will commence their 2026 World Cup qualifiers campaign in November while the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final is set to begin on 13 January.