Salah’s Birthday Spoiled as Egypt Settle for Draw Against Belgium
By Jeff Unaegbu
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
Mohamed Salah’s hopes of celebrating his 34th birthday with a memorable FIFA World Cup victory were dashed as Egypt surrendered a first-half lead to draw 1-1 with Belgium in their opening Group G encounter in Seattle.
The Pharaohs looked on course for a famous win after taking control of the contest, but a costly own goal from defender Mohamed Hany in the second half ensured Belgium escaped with a share of the points.
Egypt struck first in the 21st minute through Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour, who unleashed a powerful 20-yard effort into the bottom corner beyond Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The move was brilliantly initiated by Salah, whose incisive through pass carved open the Belgian defence.
Backed by a passionate crowd of Egyptian supporters on the United States' west coast, the African giants continued to press for a second goal before halftime. Mostafa Zico came close with a low drive across goal, but Courtois reacted sharply to tip the effort behind.
After the break, Salah nearly doubled Egypt’s advantage when his header forced another impressive save from Courtois. Ashour pounced on the rebound but failed to keep his effort on target, allowing Belgium to remain in the contest.
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia responded by introducing all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku in the 66th minute, a substitution that immediately changed the momentum of the match. Seconds later, Thomas Meunier delivered a dangerous low cross that, under pressure from Lukaku, was inadvertently turned into his own net by Mohamed Hany for the equaliser.
Moments before the goal, Kevin De Bruyne had signalled Belgium’s growing dominance by striking the outside of the post from a well-taken free kick as the Red Devils intensified their attack.
Egypt endured a tense closing spell but defended resolutely to secure a point, avoiding defeat at a World Cup for only the third time in their history.
Despite being seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, the Pharaohs continue to struggle on football’s biggest stage. They remain without a World Cup victory since making their tournament debut in 1934 and have now gone eight matches across four appearances without registering a win.
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