Trezeguet scored twice, securing Egypt a narrow 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso at Cairo Stadium on Thursday, keeping the Pharaohs’ perfect World Cup qualifier run intact.
Trabzonspor winger Trezeguet scored with a rare header just three minutes into the game, and added a second five minutes later, bringing his total to 18 goals for the Pharaohs. Lassina Traore netted Burkina Faso’s only goal in the 56th minute.
The Pharaohs now lead their group with a perfect nine points, four points ahead of second-placed Guinea Bissau, who drew 0-0 with Ethiopia earlier in the day.
In his first official appearance as coach, Hossam Hassan surprised with a 3-5-2 formation to compensate for the absence of left backs Mohamed Hamdi and Ahmed Fatouh.
Meanwhile, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and FC Nantes’ top scorer Mostafa Mohamed led the attack.
The team started in style, with Trezeguet heading in Salah’s cross at the far post just three minutes into the match. Two minutes later, Ahly midfielder Emar Ashour nearly added a second goal, but his close-range shot went wide.
In the 8th minute, Trezeguet struck again with a well-placed shot from inside the area. With a two-goal lead, the Pharaohs dominated the game against a lackluster Burkina Faso side that struggled to threaten the hosts.
Egypt had a penalty appeal in the 38th minute when Trezeguet was brought down by the goalkeeper, but the referee waved it off.
In the second half, Burkina Faso’s coach made three substitutions that paid off as they pressured the Pharaohs from the outset and scored in the 56th minute. Lassina Traore capitalized on a rebound off the post to score from close range.
The visitors dominated much of the second half, exploiting the Pharaohs’ poor physical condition. Egypt’s goalkeeper El Shennawy saved the team from conceding a late goal by stopping Sacha Bande’s close-range effort in the 84th minute.
In the final minutes, neither side posed a real threat as the Pharaohs contained Burkina Faso’s efforts to secure their third consecutive victory in the World Cup qualifiers.
Next, Egypt will visit Guinea Bissau on Monday, aiming to maintain their winning streak in the qualifiers.
