Marmoush sends Egypt on top of Group F

Egypt took control of World Cup qualifying Group F with a 1-0 victory over Labia on Friday.

Omar Marmoush shone on his debut with a thunderbolt as Egypt claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Libya in Alexandria to move top of their World Cup qualifying group.

The Stuttgart on-loan winger let fly from the edge of the area with a delightful curler four minutes into the second half to settle a tight contest and give Egypt a precious victory in their quest to reach the final two-legged playoff for a place in next year’s Qatar finals.

He was a surprise inclusion in Egypt’s starting line-up, with new coach Carlos Queiroz making the bold choice after the 22-year-old produced a string of fine displays lately. He was named the Bundesliga’s best young player for September earlier in the day.

Marmoush, who came through the youth ranks of Egypt’s Wadi Degla, produced a lively performance to wreak havoc down the left flank, stealing the limelight from Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who was well shackled on the right.

Egypt labored for much of the game but did enough to bag all three points and overtake Libya on top of the group. The Pharaohs have seven points from three matches, one ahead of Libya and four clear of Angola. Gabon lie at the bottom with a solitary point.

The seven-time African champions meet Libya in Benghazi in another crucial clash on Monday.