Egypt’s perfect record in Group A came to an end after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Guinea-Bissau in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Estadio 24 de Setembro on Monday, June 10.
The Pharaohs maintained the four-point gap to the Djurtus, who are also still unbeaten in the group following back-to-back draws this month.
Hossam Hassan’s side enjoyed plenty of possession throughout in Bissau, but they struggled to create any real clear-cut chances in the first half.
They conceded at the worst possible time though, as Mama Balde made the breakthrough three minutes before half-time to register his second goal of the qualifying campaign.
The North African giants stepped up their efforts in the second half and Emam Ashour was a whisker away from levelling matters on 56 minutes before Mohamed Salah lashed a shot over the crossbar just after the hour mark.
The pressure finally told on 70 minutes when Salah restored parity with a trademark strike and the Liverpool winger should have completed the comeback win deep into stoppage time, but he somehow failed to hit the target with the goal gaping.
Guinea-Bissau: Manuel Balde, Sambinha, M. Djalo, O. Sangante, J. Encada, P. Mendy (F. Cande 66′), J. Bikel (M, Cassama 78′), A. Semedo (S. Mane 78′), Bura, Mama Balde (F. Quizera 66′), Ze Turbo (F. Dju 66′).
Egypt: M. El Shenawy, R. Rabia, M. Hany (E. Ashour 46′), M. Hamdy, M. Abdelmonem, Trezeguet (I. Adel 78′), Zizo, H. Fathy, M. Attia, M. Salah, M. Mohamed (Oufa 18′, M. Maher 90+2′).
