Egypt’s wait for a first-ever World Cup victory goes on after a second-half own goal from Mohamed Hany gifted Belgium a 1-1 draw in their Group G opener in Seattle.
The Pharaohs were dreaming of history for 45 minutes. Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, smashing a 20-yard strike past Thibaut Courtois and into the bottom corner. The shot had power, precision, and a packed USA west coast crowd behind it.
But Belgium hit back in the 66th minute. Thomas Meunier’s low cross caused chaos, and under pressure from substitute Romelu Lukaku, Egypt defender Hany turned the ball into his own net.
Egypt have been chasing their first World Cup win since their tournament debut in 1934. That wait now stretches to eight games without victory.
The seven-time African champions, backed by a sea of passionate fans in Seattle, spent the final 20 minutes under siege. They managed to hold on though — and avoiding defeat at a World Cup for only the third time in their history will feel like small consolation.
For Belgium, Lukaku’s introduction changed the game. For Egypt, Ashour’s screamer deserved more. But in the World Cup, margins are cruel — and an own goal was all that separated history from heartbreak.
