Egypt made a crucial stride toward qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals with a commanding 2-0 win against Mauritania on Friday.
Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan shattered the deadlock in the 69th minute, rifling an unstoppable shot from inside the box to put Egypt ahead.
Just ten minutes later, Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah sealed the deal, calmly slotting home a perfect cross from Mahmoud Hamdi, doubling the Pharaohs’ lead.
The victory cements Egypt’s dominance at the top of Group C, now sitting six points clear of their closest challengers.
Needing just one point from their remaining three matches, Egypt is on the verge of clinching their spot in the 2025 AFCON finals.
Egypt dominated the first half, dictating the tempo and relentlessly pushing for an early goal. Despite their pressure, Mauritania’s defense held firm.
Mohamed Salah came close, forcing a stunning save from keeper Mamadou Diop, while Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed’s long-range effort was also kept out.
Mauritania’s only threat came from Aboubacar Kouita’s free-kick, which just missed the mark.
After the break, the Pharaohs kept the pressure on, with Marmoush testing Diop again. The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute when Trezeguet met Zizo’s cross, breaking the deadlock.
Salah added the second ten minutes later, coolly finishing a pinpoint cross from Hamdi Fathi.
Mauritania pressed late for a consolation goal but couldn’t find a way through.
Egypt’s next match against Mauritania presents the perfect chance to seal their spot in the 2025 AFCON finals.
