Hosts Egypt went top of their group in the main round of the World Championship after crushing Belarus 35-26 in Cairo on Friday, moving just one win short of a place in the quarterfinal.

Egypt dominated the entire game, securing a 21-14 lead at halftime before widening the gap in an even better second half, unlike their past games in which they eased off after the break.

Dinamo Bucharest pivot Mamdouh Hashem, veteran player Ahmed El-Ahmar and promising youngster Ahmed Hesham stood out for Egypt.

Hashem converted six out of six attempts, El-Ahmar stole the show with superb feints and Hesham, who was named the U19 World Championship best player when Egypt won the title in 2019, was also chosen as the best player against Belarus.

Egypt lie on top of the group with six points, one ahead of Russia and Sweden, with the latter taking on Slovenia (four points) later on Friday.

The Pharaohs need to beat Slovenia in their final group match on Sunday to ensure their progress to the last eight.

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