Egypt opened their World Championship campaign in style, securing a comprehensive 34-20 victory over North African rivals Algeria in Doha on Friday.
It looked as though it would be a close contest in the early stages but Egypt outplayed the African champions after the first 10 minutes, rapidly widening the gap to go the locker room with a 17-9 lead.
Egypt goalkeeper Karim Hendawi excelled in the first half, pulling off a string of fine saves to thwart Algeria as the Pharaohs took control.
Ahmed El-Ahmar, one of Egypt’s most prominent stars, had a subdued first half but put in a superb display in the second, scoring four goals.
The Zamalek man, who will turn 31 later this month, was named man of the match.
Egypt maintained a firm grip in the latter stages to secure a convincing win as they bid to reach the knockout phase for the second straight time, having been eliminated at the last-16 stage in the 2013 World Championship in Spain.
Egypt next face European heavyweights France in their second Group C game on Sunday. The group also includes Sweden, Iceland and the Czech Republic.
