Egypt’s winless run in the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by the United Arab Emirates in their second Group C match. The result came four days after the Pharaohs opened their campaign with an identical 1-1 draw against Kuwait.
Egypt remains second in the group on two points, while the UAE and Kuwait are third and fourth respectively with one point each. Jordan have already secured a place in the quarterfinals with six points from two wins.
Caio put the UAE ahead in the 60th minute, but Marwan Hamdi levelled for Egypt five minutes from time.
Egypt nearly took an early lead when Ghannam Mohammad’s powerful header narrowly cleared the bar in the fifth minute.
The Pharaohs dominated the opening stages but were repeatedly denied by a well-organized UAE defense.
UAE coach Cosmin Olăroiu made an early double substitution in the 31st minute for two injured players, bringing on Majid Rashid and Caio.
Seven minutes before the break, Egypt goalkeeper Mohammad Bassam produced an excellent save to turn away a one-on-one effort from Bruno.
Mustafa Saad threatened again with a fierce strike from inside the box, but his effort sailed over.
The UAE adopted a more direct approach after the interval. They were rewarded when a fast counterattack led by Nicolás Giménez ended with a precise low cross to the unmarked Caio, who finished confidently from close range.
Egypt coach Helmy Toulan responded by introducing Mido Gaber in the 53rd minute, then Karim Eraki and Mohammad 'Afsha' Magdy and in the 70th minute to inject fresh attacking impetus, before adding Hossam Hassan in the 81st minute in a last-ditch attempt to equalize.
The changes paid off as Marwan Hamdi headed in Eraki’s well-delivered cross from close range in the 85th minute to earn Egypt a point.
Gaber thought he had scored a stoppage-time winner, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Egypt will face group leaders Jordan on Tuesday in their final match, needing a positive result to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
