Egypt national team players celebrate victory over Guinea-Bissau in the Africa 2026 World Cup qualifiers. EFA
The Pharaohs had secured their World Cup spot earlier in the week with a 3-0 away win over Djibouti in Morocco, played in an empty stadium.
Sunday’s match, however, was a festive occasion played in front of a packed home crowd, eager to celebrate Egypt’s fourth-ever World Cup qualification.
Egypt topped Group A with 26 points, five clear of second-placed Burkina Faso, who also won 3-1 against Ethiopia on Sunday.
Coach Hossam Hassan rotated his squad heavily, giving opportunities to several substitutes including Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi, Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim, and Pyramids FC midfielder Mohannad Lachine.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah watched from the stands as Hassan chose to rest his captain.
The only goal of the match came in the 10th minute from Pyramids FC fullback Mohamed Hamdi, who scored with a well-placed header.
Six minutes later, Hamdi’s former teammate Ibrahim Adel nearly doubled the lead with a header that narrowly missed.
Just before halftime, Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed also came close, his header striking the crossbar.
In the second half, Hassan introduced further substitutes including Mahmoud Saber, Ahmed Eid, and Hossam Abdel-Meguid.
Despite dominating possession, Egypt was unable to find a second goal, facing an opponent content to defend their narrow deficit.
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