Egypt missed out on the chance of claiming an unprecedented win over double Olympic champions France after being held to a 26-26 draw by the hosts in a Group stage game on Wednesday.
Leading 26-25 until eight seconds from time, the Egyptian side failed to keep their advantage, conceding a last-gasp equalizer, with the huge joy reigning in the hall from the hosts as well as their supporters, who could not believe that they had escaped a loss and rescued a point from the African champions.
The Pharaohs made a great start to the game as they ended the first half with a four-goal lead, thanks to the outstanding performances from Yehya Khaled and Ahmed Adel, as well as goalkeeper Mohamed Ali, who made many crucial saves.
The Egyptians struggled in the second half, allowing the hosts to reduce the gap before leveling the score (20-20) in the 43rd minute.
The Egyptian players continued to make many wasteful mistakes, especially in attack, squandering many clear chances that could have extended the lead and secured an easy win.
Ludovic Fabregas punished the Egyptians for their reckless play, scoring a dramatic last-second equalizer to give France their first point after losing their two previous games against Denmark and Norway, respectively.
With this draw, Egypt remain third in Group B with three points.
They will face Group leaders Norway, who have the maximum six points, on Friday, before ending their Group stage campaign on Friday when they take on Argentina.
The top four teams in each group advance to the quarterfinals.
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