Egypt’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile were dealt a major blow after falling 2-1 to New Zealand in Santiago on Tuesday, leaving them rooted without a point in Group A after two matches.
The Young Pharaohs, one of Africa’s four representatives at the tournament, made the perfect start when captain Ahmed Kabaka drilled home in the fifth minute to raise Egyptian hopes of a first win.
But New Zealand turned the match around within three minutes, Luke Brooke-Smith levelling on 13 minutes before Xuan Loke struck what proved to be the winner in the 16th.
Despite dominating much of the second half and piling relentless pressure on the Junior All Whites, Egypt could not find a breakthrough.
Wasteful finishing and stubborn defending from Chris Greenacre’s side ensured the Africans walked away empty-handed again.
The result leaves Egypt bottom of the group after their opening defeat to Japan, with their final group fixture against hosts Chile now a must-win if they are to stand any chance of progressing.
For Egypt, the loss highlights a recurring issue of missed opportunities at youth level, despite the promise shown in flashes.
Their captain’s early strike offered a glimpse of what they can do, but failure to capitalise leaves them fighting for survival in Chile.
Meanwhile, Morocco will face Brazil in their Group C match in Santiago on Wednesday.
A victory will seal a place in the knock out stages for the Young Lions after they gallantly defeated Spain in their opening match of the competition four days ago.
