EGYPT secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory while Cape Verde continued their remarkable debut campaign with a hard-fought draw against Uruguay as the race for qualification intensified across Groups G and H.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Mohamed Salah played a decisive role in Egypt’s historic comeback victory over New Zealand, while Cape Verde once again defied expectations by earning a valuable point against two-time world champions Uruguay in a gripping encounter in Miami.
For Egypt, the victory marked a significant milestone in the country’s football history, while Cape Verde’s latest result further strengthened belief that the tournament newcomers could spring another surprise and reach the knockout stages.
Mohamed Salah scored one goal and created another as Egypt came from behind to defeat New Zealand 3-1 and secure their first-ever World Cup win.
The victory also leaves the Pharaohs on the brink of another historic achievement, with qualification from the group stage now firmly within reach for the first time in their history.
New Zealand made a bright start and looked on course for a famous result when Finn Surman headed home Tim Payne’s well-delivered corner in the 15th minute.
The goal gave the All Whites hope of recording their first-ever World Cup victory after they had surrendered leads twice in their opening draw against Iran.
However, Egypt emerged a transformed side after the interval following tactical adjustments by manager Hossam Hassan.
The North Africans struck three times within a devastating 24-minute spell in the second half to completely turn the contest around.
Mostafa Zico, whose nickname pays tribute to the legendary Brazilian football icon, levelled matters in the 58th minute when he powered home Mohamed Hany’s cross.
Egypt’s momentum continued to grow, and Salah soon put his side ahead after combining brilliantly with Zico in a neat one-two before calmly placing his effort into the bottom corner.
The former Liverpool star then completed his influential display by delivering a corner that substitute Trezeguet headed home in the 82nd minute to seal the victory.
The result, achieved during Egypt’s fourth World Cup appearance and their first since debuting at the tournament in 1934, means the Pharaohs will secure top spot in the group if they defeat Iran in their final match on Saturday.
For New Zealand, the search for a first-ever World Cup win continues. The All Whites must now overcome Belgium in their final group match if they are to keep their hopes of progression alive.
Elsewhere, Cape Verde’s impressive debut World Cup adventure gathered further momentum as they fought back to earn a thrilling draw against Uruguay.
Having already stunned many observers by holding Spain to a goalless draw in their opening fixture, Cape Verde once again demonstrated resilience and determination against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
The island nation made a dream start in Miami when Kevin Pina unleashed a long-range free-kick in the 21st minute that travelled through the middle of Uruguay’s defensive wall before finding the net.
The breakthrough altered the complexion of the contest, encouraging Cape Verde to attack more aggressively but also leaving spaces for Uruguay to exploit.
The South Americans responded well and found an equaliser through Maxi Araujo, who stooped low to head home after defender Sidny Lopes Cabral inadvertently flicked a delivery back across goal.
Uruguay then completed the turnaround in first-half stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio, rewarded for his inclusion in the starting line-up after missing the opening draw against Saudi Arabia, converted an Araujo pass from close range.
Cape Verde struggled at times to build attacks due to Uruguay’s relentless pressing, with poor distribution frequently disrupting their rhythm.
Nevertheless, they continued to search for opportunities and eventually found a route back into the game.
The equaliser arrived following a costly lapse in concentration from the Uruguay defence.
Mathias Olivera attempted to play the ball across his own penalty area without noticing the presence of Helio Varela, who intercepted possession, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted into an empty net.
Uruguay thought they had snatched victory late on when Federico Valverde bundled the ball over the line, but celebrations were cut short after the effort was ruled out for offside.
Both sides created further chances during stoppage time, yet neither could find the decisive third goal.
The result leaves Uruguay in second place and Cape Verde in third place in Group H, with both teams sitting on two points from two matches and remaining firmly in contention for a place in the last 32.
As the group stage enters its decisive phase, Egypt stand on the verge of history, while Cape Verde’s remarkable World Cup journey continues to capture global attention.