Ziko debut goal sinks poor Russia for Egypt

The Pharaohs of Egypt beat a rather poor Russian team courtesy of a second-half strike by debutant Mostafa Ziko.

Egypt were without star man Mohamed Salah in this send-off game in Cairo before their departure to the USA ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Their unlikely hero was Pyramids 29-year-old midfielder Ziko, who came off the bench to score with a powerful header from inside the box after 65 minutes.

There was also a debut for Barcelona U19 striker Hamza Abdelkarim, a surprise inclusion on the final World Cup squad, who has already been compared to Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Norway.

The 18-year-old Hamza played the last nine minutes against a Russian side who managed only a shot on goal.

Egypt will play a final warm-up game against Brazil on June 6 in Cleveland, USA, before they open their World Cup campaign against Belgium in Group G nine days later.

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