Egypt wrote a new chapter in their football history yesterday by becoming the second African nation to book a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw following extra time in Dallas.
The victory marks the first time the Pharaohs have progressed beyond the FIFA World Cup knockout play-off stage to reach the Round of 16, eclipsing all of their previous appearances at the global showpiece.
After 120 minutes failed to separate the two sides, Egypt held their nerve from the penalty spot to seal a famous victory and set up a last-16 encounter against either defending champions Argentina or Cape Verde.
Emam Ashour gave Egypt a deserved first-half lead with a towering header in the 13th minute after Karim Hafez recycled possession from a Mohamed Salah free-kick and delivered an inviting cross to the far post. It was Ashour’s second goal of the tournament and capped an impressive opening spell in which the seven-time African champions controlled possession and dictated the tempo.
Australia found an equaliser in the 55th minute through an unfortunate own goal by Mohamed Hany, whose attempted defensive header from a dangerous free-kick looped beyond his own goalkeeper to level matters at 1-1.
