Ziko debut goal sinks poor Russia for Egypt

Published

3 months ago

May 29, 2026

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.

The post Ziko debut goal sinks poor Russia for Egypt first appeared on Score Nigeria.

Star praise for Man of Match Balogun

Published

2 months ago

June 15, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

Man of the Match Folarin Balogun has earned top praise after he scored twice for USA to get off to a flying start against Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup.

Balogun grabbed a brace for the World Cup co-hosts to win 4-1.

USA top star Christian Pulisic was full of praise for the AS Monaco striker, who was also eligible to play for the Super Eagles and England.

“I mean he is lethal right now in front of goal,” the Borussia Dortmund star saluted.

“We are really lucky to have him. I just hope he keeps coming like this.”

Balogun fires USA to big win, makes history

Published

2 months ago

June 14, 2026

Kenny Malone

Folarin Balogun powered coach Mauricio Pochettino’s men to a strong performance as they pummeled Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles.

Balogun is now only the second American player to score more than a goal in a World Cup game.

The first was Bert Patenaude, who scored a hat-trick against…Paraguay in the 1930 World Cup.

“I am delighted with our victory. This is my first World Cup appearance and getting two goals is a great feeling,” celebrated the official Man of the Match.

The World Cup co-hosts overwhelmed the South Americans in the early stages with three first-half goals.

US put their opponents under pressure from the start and took an early lead when Damien Bobadilla put the ball into his own net.

AS Monaco hitman Balogun scored in the 31st minute to make it 2-0 for the home team.

He then added a third with a powerful strike to the top of the corner with his left foot.

Paraguay pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute through Mauricio, before Gio Reyna sealed the victory with a superb goal after coming on as a late sub.

The post Balogun fires USA to big win, makes history first appeared on Score Nigeria.

Canada bag first-ever World Cup point

Published

3 months ago

June 13, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

World Cup co-hosts Canada tonight won their first-ever point at the World Cup after they forced Bosnia to a 1-1 draw in Toronto.

Bosnia took the lead in the first half and looked like they would inflict Canada their seventh straight loss at the World Cup until Southampton striker Cyle Larin came off the bench to restore parity.

Poor finishing and some resolute defending by Bosnia denied Canada victory as they dominated possession and created the better chances.

Abuja-born Tani Oluwaseyi started for Canada, but was wasteful in front of goal, while former Nigeria U23 striker Promise David was a late sub for the World Cup co-hosts.

The post Canada bag first-ever World Cup point first appeared on Score Nigeria.