Egypt's friendly match against Equatorial Guinea (Photo: Al-Ahram)
Two late goals from Bassem Morsy and Mahmoud Hassan 'Trezeguet' gave newly-appointed boss Hector Cuper his first win at the Egypt helm in a friendly game against Equatorial Guinea at Petrosport Stadium on Thursday.
Zamalek striker Morsy gave Egypt the lead from point-blank range four minutes from time, before a stunning goal from Trezeguet doubled his side's advantage four minutes into stoppage time.
The friendly game comes as part of Egypt's preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament the Pharaohs have uncharacteristically failed to reach since last winning the title in 2010.
Egypt started the game with a 4-4-2 formation, with a frontline featuring Emad Meteb and on-loan Fiorentina star Mohamed Salah, who supported the Ahly veteran from behind.
The first half was mostly a dull affair with play restricted mainly to midfield, as the major highlights were two goal-scoring opportunities wasted by winger Trezeguet and Ahly teammate Meteb.
The rhythm of the match notably changed after the break, with Egypt reaching the visitors goal more often – albeit without managing to find the net.
Salah missed the target just six minutes after the interval, as Meteb again saw a free kick go narrowly wide 13 minutes later, before the former Basel forward wasted a one-on-one opportunity in the 74th minute.
As everyone thought the game was heading to a goal-less draw, two second-half substitutes in Saleh Gomaa and Morsy were involved to put Egypt in front – with the former brilliantly crossing from the left-hand side of the area as the latter made no mistake from inside the six-yard box.
Trezeguet then came to add Egypt's second goal deep into stoppage time, when he delightfully cut inside and skipped past a handful of challengers before striking with his right foot from outside the area to beat the keeper at the far post.
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