Mahmoud Saber makes first international mark as Mohamed Abdelmonem backs Pharaohs

Mahmoud Saber, the energetic midfielder of Zed FC, enjoyed a memorable night at Cairo International Stadium as he scored his first ever goal for Egypt in a friendly against Nigeria.

The Pharaohs used the high-profile test to fine-tune their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January.​

Saber struck Egypt’s second goal in the 27th minute, timing his run perfectly to meet an inch-perfect cross from Ahmed “Zizo” Mostafa and steer it home. The 24-year-old finally opened his international account in what was his tenth appearance for the national team, underlining his growing importance in the squad’s midfield rotation.​

In the stands, French-based defender Mohamed Abdelmonem, who plays for Nice, watched on to support his teammates before they fly to Morocco.

Abdelmonem continues his recovery from the cruciate ligament injury he suffered in April and was left out of the friendly as a precaution. Egypt were also without Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” due to tooth pain, while Ibrahim Adel missed out through injury and stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush were absent because their arrivals to camp were delayed.