Egypt thrash South Sudan 5-0 as Omar Marmoush ends scoring drought

Egypt recorded a convincing 5-0 victory over South Sudan in Juba on Tuesday to claim their first three points in Group B of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The result lifted Egypt to four points at the top of the group and eased pressure on manager Hossam Hassan, who had reportedly faced the possibility of losing his job following a dispute over comments about goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and criticism of the standard of clubs in the Egyptian Premier League.

Captain Mohamed Salah was absent after leaving the national team camp. Reports said he did not want to play on an artificial pitch, with Rami Rabia taking the captain’s armband in his place. Other reports also linked Salah’s departure to tensions in the Egypt camp after Hassan’s remarks.

Mustafa Ziko opened the scoring in the 36th minute, converting with his left foot after Ahmed Fattouh delivered a precise low cross from the left.

Egypt had struggled to impose themselves during the first half and appeared affected by the artificial surface, but they produced a stronger display after the interval.

Marmoush doubled their advantage four minutes into the second half when he went through one-on-one after being played in by Mohand Lasheen. The goal ended his wait for an international strike, with his previous goal for Egypt having come against Saudi Arabia in March.

There was bad news for Hassan soon afterwards when Fattouh was forced off in the 52nd minute with a thigh injury following a challenge. Karim Hafez replaced him.

Egypt continued to improve as the match progressed and substitute Ibrahim Adel made it 3-0 in the 75th minute with a powerful shot after Marwan Ateya’s through ball.

South Sudan then collapsed, allowing Egypt to add two more goals. Marmoush scored his second of the match and Egypt’s fourth after being sent clear by Emam Ashour.

Hamza Abdelkarim, a young forward who plays for Barcelona, came on for Marmoush for the final five minutes. He completed the scoring in stoppage time to register his first international goal.

Abdelkarim followed up after substitute Osama Faisal’s effort was saved, finishing from the rebound in front of goal.

South Sudan remain bottom of Group B without a point. Angola, who are third with one point, are due to host second-placed Malawi, who have three points, next Tuesday in the group’s second round of fixtures.