In an all-African matchup at the FIFA Arab Cup on Saturday, Sudan were powerless to resist as Egypt came out on top in a 5-0 thumping. Ahmed Refaat’s early goal set the tone to help the Pharaohs lead 3-0 by halftime with the result in little doubt. Egypt move into a tie for top spot in Group D with both teams having their tickets punched to the quarterfinal round before playing each other on Tuesday to wrap up the group stage.
Egypt were determined to produce more goals after a lackluster display against Lebanon in their opening match, and Refaat’s amazing 4th minute goal jolted the crowd and helped the favorites settle. An early free kick was awarded for a foul just outside the Sudanese penalty area, and the Future FC forward curled a free kick with his right foot that rattled the crossbar. However, the ball ricocheted back to Refaat, who executed a brilliant volleyed shot with his left foot that sailed past Sudan keeper Ali Eshrein and into the goal for one of the goals of the tournament.
It only got worse for Sudan. Just after ten minutes played, a pass from the midfield found Egyptian right back Omar Kamal streaking into the Sudan area, who was pulled down as he controlled the ball for a penalty kick. Zamalek playmaker Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” had no issues rasping his spot kick past Eshrein for the second. Egypt made it three just after the thirty minute mark when Hussein Faisal performed a mazy dribbling run past a couple of defenders before crossing for Mahmoud Hamdy to shoot home from ten yards out.
Sudan only had one shot the entire match and were further disadvantaged by dismissals just before halftime and ten minutes into the second half when Faris Abdalla received two yellow cards in three minutes, eventually forcing the team to play with nine players. Soon after, Faisal was there to finish from close range when a headed shot drew a rebound from Eshrein in front of his goal. Egypt wrapped up the scoring in the 78th minute when Al Ahly’s Mohamed Sherif got to an aerial ball before Eshrein and headed into an empty net, making it five on the day for the Pharaohs.
Highlights of the match are in the link below.
