Paris 2024: Egypt edge closer to quarter finals after narrow win over Uzbekistan

Paris 2024: Egypt edge closer to quarter finals after narrow win over Uzbekistan

Eric Munene 20:15 - 27.07.2024

The young Pharaohs managed to hold on to their lead to secure three points in a tight match.

Egypt moved one step closer to the Olympic quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Uzbekistan at  La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes.

The win, which took Egypt to four points in Group C, effectively sealed the White Wolves’ elimination from the tournament.

The only goal of the match came in the 11th minute under rather bizarre circumstances.

Ahmed Nabil Koka’s header from a deep cross fell to Osama Faisal, whose weak shot hit the post.

Uzbek defender Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev then misjudged his clearance, striking it against Koka and inadvertently sending the ball into the net.

Uzbekistan responded well to going behind and had a chance to equalize midway through the first half.

Eldor Shomurodov failed to convert a cross from Abbosbek Fayzullaev, with the goalkeeper off his line.

They came close again when Fayzullaev's poke from a cross was disallowed for offside.

Just before the break, Hamza Alaa in Egypt’s goal was called into action twice from long-range shots, while Ibrahim Adel missed a chance to double Egypt’s lead, sending his shot wide.

After the interval, Uzbekistan continued to press, with Jasurbek Jaloliddinov’s free-kick narrowly missing the target.

However, Egypt’s captain Mohamed Elneny responded with a superb curling shot from over 25 yards, which was expertly saved by Abduvohid Nematov.

Despite Uzbekistan's late surge to stay in contention, Egypt’s defense held firm, maintaining their unbeaten run in 90 minutes to ten matches.

Egypt now awaits results from other group matches, hoping for a favorable outcome to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

A result favoring Uzbekistan against the Dominican Republic will ensure Egypt’s progression, even if they lose their final group match to Spain.