Egypt U20 in trouble after second defeat to New Zealand at World Cup

Egypt’s U20 team is now hanging by a thread at the World Cup after suffering a second straight defeat, this time 2-1 against New Zealand in Group A.

The Pharaohs, led by coach Osama Nabih, had opened the scoring early but could not hold their advantage.

Ahmed Khaled Kabaka gave Egypt a dream start in the 5th minute with a fine strike, but New Zealand quickly turned the game around. Luke Brooksmith equalized in the 13th minute after a defensive lapse, and Tze Lok added a second just three minutes later. Despite glimpses of attacking promise, Egypt could not find the cutting edge to restore parity.

Kabaka remained Egypt’s brightest spark with repeated attempts, but chances from Ahmed Nayel, Hamed Abdullah, and Omar Khader went begging. Substitutions came late, and although Egypt dominated possession in the second half, New Zealand’s discipline and tactical shape denied them.

The loss leaves Egypt bottom of the group with no points. With one match left against hosts Chile, the Pharaohs must win and hope results elsewhere go their way to avoid a painful early exit.